System and Methods for Detecting Genetic Variation

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and compositions for high-throughput amplification sequencing of specific target sequences in one or more samples. In some aspects, barcode-tagged polynucleotides are sequenced simultaneously and sample sources are identified on the basis of barcode sequences. In some aspects, sequencing data are used to determine one or more genotypes at one or more loci comprising a causal genetic variant. In some aspects, systems and methods of detecting genetic variation are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows small-scale, inexpensive genomesequencing with a turnaround time measured in days. However, as NGS isgenerally performed and understood, all regions of the genome aresequenced with roughly equal probability, meaning that a large amount ofgenomic sequence is collected and discarded to collect sequenceinformation from the relatively low percentage of areas where functionis understood well enough to interpret potential mutations. Generally,purifying from a full-genome sample only those regions one is interestedin is conducted as a separate step from sequencing. It is usually adays-long, low efficiency process in the current state of the art.

Direct Targeted Sequencing (DTS) is a modification to the standardsequencing protocol employed by Illumina, Inc. that allows thesequencing substrate (i.e. the flow cell) to become a genomic sequencecapture substrate as well. Without adding another instrument to thenormal flow of a typical next generation sequencing protocol, the DTSprotocol modifies the sequencing surface to capture gDNA from aspecially prepared library. The captured library is then sequenced as anormal gDNA library would be. However, modification of the sequencingsubstrate and accompanying library preparation according to previoussuggestions result in inefficiencies, reduced reliability andreproducibility, and waste valuable sample. Improvements to the DTSprocess are therefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and a method ofproducing an apparatus for sequencing a plurality of targetpolynucleotides. In one embodiment, the method comprises (a) providing asolid support having a reactive surface; and (b) attaching to the solidsupport a plurality of oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, theplurality of oligonucleotides comprises (i) a plurality of differentfirst oligonucleotides comprising sequence A and sequence B, whereinsequence A is common among all first oligonucleotides; and furtherwherein sequence B is different for each different firstoligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each first oligonucleotide, and iscomplementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant; (ii) aplurality of second oligonucleotides comprising sequence A at each 3′end; and (iii) a plurality of third oligonucleotides comprising sequenceC at each 3′ end, wherein sequence C is the same as a sequence shared bya plurality of different target polynucleotides. In some embodiments, A,B, and C are different sequences and comprise 5 or more nucleotideseach.

In some embodiments, sequences A, B, and C have less than 90% sequenceidentity with one another. In some embodiments, the plurality ofoligonucleotides comprise a reactive moiety, such that a reactionbetween the reactive surface and the reactive moiety attaches theplurality of oligonucleotides to the solid support. In some embodiments,the plurality of first oligonucleotides comprises at least about 100different first oligonucleotides each comprising a different sequence B.In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides comprises a sequence selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the solidsupport is a channel of a flow cell. In some embodiments, the reactivesurface comprises functionalized polyacrylamide, which may be producedfrom a polymerization mixture comprising acrylamide,N-(5-bromoacetamidylpentyl)acrylamide, tetramethylethylenediamine, andpotassium persulfate. In some embodiments, the amount of the pluralityof second oligonucleotides is at least about 1000-fold or 10000-foldhigher than the amount of the plurality of first oligonucleotides; andthe amount of the plurality of second oligonucleotides and the amount ofthe plurality of third oligonucleotides are in a ratio of about 1 to 1.In some embodiments, each of the first oligonucleotides is added to thesolid support at a concentration of about 50 pM. In some embodiments,the concentration of the plurality of second oligonucleotides and of theplurality of third oligonucleotides is about 500 nM. In someembodiments, the invention provides a method of sequencing a pluralityof target polynucleotides, the method comprising exposing an apparatusproduced according to a method of the invention to a sample comprisingtarget polynucleotides and non-target polynucleotides, whereinsequencing data is enriched for target genomic sequences relative tonon-target genomic sequences. In some embodiments, the plurality ofdifferent first oligonucleotides further comprises additional firstoligonucleotides comprising sequence A and sequence B, wherein sequenceB is different for each different additional first oligonucleotide, isat the 3′ end of each additional first oligonucleotide, and iscomplementary to a sequence comprising a non-subject sequence or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a non-subject sequence.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for sequencing aplurality of target polynucleotides in a sample. In one embodiment, themethod comprises: (a) fragmenting target polynucleotides to producefragmented polynucleotides; (b) joining adapter oligonucleotides to thefragmented polynucleotides, each of the adapter oligonucleotidescomprising sequence D, to produce adapted polynucleotides comprisingsequence D hybridized to complementary sequence D′ at both ends of theadapted polynucleotides, optionally wherein sequence D′ is produced byextension of a target polynucleotide 3′ end; (c) amplifying the adaptedpolynucleotides using amplification primers comprising sequence C,sequence D, and a barcode associated with the sample, wherein sequence Dis positioned at the 3′ end of the amplification primers; (d)hybridizing amplified target polynucleotides to a plurality of differentfirst oligonucleotides that are attached to a solid surface; (e)performing bridge amplification on a solid surface; and (f) sequencing aplurality of polynucleotides from step (e). The solid surface maycomprise a plurality of oligonucleotides as described herein, includingan apparatus as described herein and optionally produced according tothe methods described herein. In some embodiments, the solid surfacecomprises (i) a plurality of different first oligonucleotides comprisingsequence A and sequence B, wherein sequence A is common among all firstoligonucleotides; and further wherein sequence B is different for eachdifferent first oligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each firstoligonucleotide, and is complementary to a sequence comprising a causalgenetic variant or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal geneticvariant; (ii) a plurality of second oligonucleotides comprising sequenceA at each 3′ end; and (iii) a plurality of third oligonucleotidescomprising sequence C at each 3′ end. In some embodiments, sequences A,B, and C are different sequences and comprise 5 or more nucleotideseach.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a second amplificationstep before step (d), wherein amplified polynucleotides are amplifiedusing a second amplification primer having a 3′ end comprising sequencecomplementary to at least a portion of one or more sequences added tothe target polynucleotides in step (c). In some embodiments, sequencesA, B, and C have less than 90% sequence identity with one another. Insome embodiments, the plurality of first oligonucleotides comprises atleast about 100 different first oligonucleotides each comprising adifferent sequence B. In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more ofthe plurality of first oligonucleotides comprises a sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4. In someembodiments, each barcode differs from every other barcode in a pool oftwo or more samples at at least three nucleotide positions. In someembodiments, samples are pooled such that all four nucleotide bases A,G, C, and T are approximately evenly represented at every position alongeach barcode in the pool. In some embodiments, one or more barcodes areselected from the group consisting of: AGGTCA, CAGCAG, ACTGCT, TAACGG,GGATTA, AACCTG, GCCGTT, CGTTGA, GTAACC, CTTAAC, TGCTAA, GATCCG, CCAGGT,TTCAGC, ATGATC, and TCGGAT. In some embodiments, the barcode is locatedbetween sequence C and sequence D. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises the step of identifying the sample from which a targetpolynucleotide is derived based on the barcode sequence. In someembodiments, the fragmented polynucleotides have a median length betweenabout 200 and about 1000 base pairs. In some embodiments, step (f)comprises (i) sequencing by extension of a first sequencing primer thathybridizes to a position located 3′ from the barcode; and then (ii)sequencing by extension of a second sequencing primer that hybridizes toa position located 5′ from the barcode. In some embodiments, the solidsupport is a channel of a flow cell. In some embodiments, steps (b) and(c) are performed by an automated system, such as a liquid handler (e.g.a Biomek FXP). In some embodiments, step (d) is performed by anautomated system, such as a system comprising a cBot machine. In someembodiments, the automated system that performs step (d) also performsstep (e). In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for atleast about 100 different target polynucleotides. In some embodiments,step (d) utilizes at least about 10 μg of DNA in a single flow cell. Insome embodiments, the method is performed on a plurality of samples inparallel. In some embodiments, step (c) is performed in quadruplicatefor each of a plurality of samples. In some embodiments, the amount ofDNA is measured at the completion of one or more of steps (a), (b), and(c). In some embodiments, one or more of steps (a), (b), and (c) has aminimum threshold for the amount of DNA remaining at the end of thatstep to be used in the next step, such as 1 μg, 0.8 μg, 13 μg,respectively. In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for atleast about 10⁸ target sequences in a single reaction. In someembodiments, sequencing data are generated for less than about 10⁷target sequences per sample in a single reaction. In some embodiments,presence or absence of one or more causal genetic variants is determinedwith an accuracy of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, theplurality of different first oligonucleotides further comprisesadditional first oligonucleotides comprising sequence A and sequence B,wherein sequence B is different for each different additional firstoligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each additional firstoligonucleotide, and is complementary to a sequence comprising anon-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of anon-subject sequence.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of enriching a pluralityof different target polynucleotides in a sample. In some embodiments,the method comprises: (a) joining an adapter oligonucleotide to each ofthe target polynucleotides, wherein the adapter oligonucleotidecomprises sequence Y; (b) hybridizing a plurality of differentoligonucleotide primers to the adapted target polynucleotides, whereineach oligonucleotide primer comprises sequence Z and sequence W; whereinsequence Z is common among all oligonucleotide primers; and furtherwherein sequence W is different for each different oligonucleotideprimer, is positioned at the 3′ end of each oligonucleotide primer, andis complementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant; (c) in anextension reaction, extending the oligonucleotide primers along theadapted target polynucleotides to produce extended primers comprisingsequence Z and sequence Y′, wherein sequence Y′ is complementary tosequence Y; and (d) exponentially amplifying the purified extensionproducts using a pair of amplification primers comprising (i) a firstamplification primer comprising sequence V and sequence Z, whereinsequence Z is positioned at the 3′ end of the first amplificationprimer; and (ii) a second amplification primer comprising sequence X andsequence Y, wherein sequence Y is positioned at the 3′ end of the secondamplification primer. In some embodiments, sequences W, Y, and Z aredifferent sequences and comprise 5 or more nucleotides each. Eacholigonucleotide primer may or may not comprise a first binding partner.In some embodiments, the method further comprises, before step (d),exposing the extended primers to a solid surface comprising a secondbinding partner that binds to the first binding partner, therebypurifying the extended primers away from one or more components of theextension reaction. In some embodiments, the method does not comprise apurification step.

In some embodiments, the plurality of oligonucleotide primers comprisesat least about 100 different oligonucleotide primers each comprising adifferent sequence W. In some embodiments, sequence W of one or more ofthe plurality of oligonucleotide primers comprises a sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4. In someembodiments, the target polynucleotides comprise fragmentedpolynucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragmented polynucleotideshave a median length between about 200 and about 1000 base pairs. Insome embodiments, the fragmented polynucleotides are treated to produceblunt ends or to have a defined overhang prior to step (a), such as anoverhang consisting of an adenine. In some embodiments, the firstbinding partner and the second binding partner are members of a bindingpair, such as streptavidin and biotin. In some embodiments, the solidsurface is a bead, such as a bead that is responsive to a magneticfield. In some embodiments, the purifying step comprises application ofa magnetic field to purify the beads. In some embodiments, the extendedprimers are purified away from the target polynucleotides. In someembodiments, the method further comprises sequencing the products ofstep (d). In some embodiments, sequencing comprises amplifying theproducts of step (d) by bridge amplification with bound oligonucleotidesattached to a solid support to produce double-stranded bridgepolynucleotides; cleaving one strand of a bridge polynucleotide at acleavage site in a bound oligonucleotide; denaturing the cleaved bridgepolynucleotide to produce a free single-stranded polynucleotidecomprising a target sequence attached to the solid support; andsequencing the target sequence by extending a sequencing primerhybridized to at least a portion of one or more sequences added duringone or more of steps (a), (c), or (d). In some embodiments, sequencingcomprises amplifying the products of step (d) by extension of a boundprimer on a solid support to produce bound templates, hybridizing asequencing primer to a bound template, extending the sequencing primer,and identifying nucleotides added by extension of the sequencing primer.In some embodiments, the plurality of different oligonucleotide primersfurther comprises additional oligonucleotide primers comprising sequenceZ and sequence W, wherein sequence W is different for each differentadditional oligonucleotide primer, is at the 3′ end of each additionaloligonucleotide primer, and is complementary to a sequence comprising anon-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of anon-subject sequence.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of enriching a pluralityof different target polynucleotides in a sample. In some embodiments,the method comprises: (a) hybridizing a plurality of differentoligonucleotide primers to the target polynucleotides, wherein eacholigonucleotide primer comprises sequence Z and sequence W; whereinsequence Z is common among all oligonucleotide primers; and furtherwherein sequence W is different for each different oligonucleotideprimer, is positioned at the 3′ end of each oligonucleotide primer, andis complementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant; (b) in anextension reaction, extending the oligonucleotide primers along thetarget polynucleotides to produce extended primers; (c) joining anadapter oligonucleotide to each extended primer, wherein the adapteroligonucleotide comprises sequence Y′, and further wherein sequence Y′is the complement of a sequence Y; and (d) exponentially amplifying thepurified extension products using a pair of amplification primerscomprising (i) a first amplification primer comprising sequence V andsequence Z, wherein sequence Z is positioned at the 3′ end of the firstamplification primer; and (ii) a second amplification primer comprisingsequence X and sequence Y, wherein sequence Y is positioned at the 3′end of the second amplification primer. In some embodiments, sequencesW, Y, and Z are different sequences and comprise 5 or more nucleotideseach. Each oligonucleotide primer may or may not comprise a firstbinding partner. In some embodiments, the method further comprises,before step (d), exposing the extended primers to a solid surfacecomprising a second binding partner that binds to the first bindingpartner, thereby purifying the extended primers away from one or morecomponents of the extension reaction. In some embodiments, the methoddoes not comprise a purification step.

In some embodiments, the plurality of oligonucleotide primers comprisesat least about 100 different oligonucleotide primers each comprising adifferent sequence W. In some embodiments, sequence W of one or more ofthe plurality of oligonucleotide primers comprises a sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4. In someembodiments, the target polynucleotides comprise fragmentedpolynucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragmented polynucleotideshave a median length between about 200 and about 1000 base pairs. Insome embodiments, step (b) further comprises treating the extendedprimers and the target polynucleotides to which they are hybridized toproduce blunt ends or to have a defined overhang prior to step (c), suchas an overhang consisting of an adenine. In some embodiments, the firstbinding partner and the second binding partner are members of a bindingpair, such as streptavidin and biotin. In some embodiments, the solidsurface is a bead, such as a bead that is responsive to a magneticfield. In some embodiments, the purifying step comprises application ofa magnetic field to purify the beads. In some embodiments, the extendedprimers are purified away from the target polynucleotides. In someembodiments, the method further comprises sequencing the products ofstep (d). In some embodiments, sequencing comprises amplifying theproducts of step (d) by bridge amplification with bound oligonucleotidesattached to a solid support to produce double-stranded bridgepolynucleotides, cleaving one strand of a bridge polynucleotide at acleavage site in a bound oligonucleotide, denaturing the cleaved bridgepolynucleotide to produce a free single-stranded polynucleotidecomprising a target sequence attached to the solid support, andsequencing the target sequence by extending a sequencing primerhybridized to at least a portion of one or more sequences added duringone or more of steps (b), (c), or (d). In some embodiments, sequencingcomprises amplifying the products of step (d) by extension of a boundprimer on a solid support to produce bound templates, hybridizing asequencing primer to a bound template, extending the sequencing primer,and identifying nucleotides added by extension of the sequencing primer.In some embodiments, the plurality of different oligonucleotide primersfurther comprises additional oligonucleotide primers comprising sequenceZ and sequence W, wherein sequence W is different for each differentadditional oligonucleotide primer, is at the 3′ end of each additionaloligonucleotide primer, and is complementary to a sequence comprising anon-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of anon-subject sequence.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting geneticvariation in a subject's genome. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises: (a) providing a plurality of clusters of polynucleotides,wherein (i) each cluster comprises multiple copies of a nucleic acidduplex attached to a support; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprises afirst molecule comprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and asecond molecule comprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii)sequence A′ is complementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementaryto sequence B, sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′is complementary to sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary tosequence G; (iv) sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotidesequence from a subject and is different for each of a plurality ofclusters; and (v) sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence Gin the corresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (b) sequencingsequence G′ by extension of a first primer comprising sequence D toproduce an R1 sequence for each cluster; (c) sequencing sequence B′ byextension of a second primer comprising sequence A to produce R2sequence for each cluster; (d) performing a first alignment using afirst algorithm to align all R1 sequences to a first reference sequence;(e) performing a second alignment using a second algorithm to locallyalign R1 sequences identified in said first alignment as likely tocontain an insertion or deletion with respect to the first referencesequence, to produce a single consensus alignment for each insertion ordeletion; (f) performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences toa second reference sequence; and (g) transmitting a report identifyingsequence variation identified by steps (d) to (f) to a receiver.

In some embodiments, the first reference sequence comprises a referencegenome. In some embodiments, the second reference sequence consists ofevery sequence B for every different target polynucleotide. In someembodiments, R2 sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises discarding an R1 sequencethat aligns to a first position in the first reference sequence that ismore than 10,000 base pairs away from a second position in the firstreference sequence to which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.In some embodiments, the method further comprises deleting a portion ofan R1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to bedeleted is identical to at least a portion of sequence B′ for thatcluster and sequence G is shorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.In some embodiments, the method further comprises deleting a portion ofan R1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to bedeleted is identical to at least a portion of any sequence B′, theportion includes either the 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) noR2 sequence was produced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced isnot identical to any sequence B. In some embodiments, performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm takes less timeand/or uses less system memory to align all R1 reads than would be takenand/or used if the system used the second algorithm to perform the firstalignment. In some embodiments, the first algorithm is based on theBurrows-Wheeler transform. In some embodiments, the second algorithm isbased on the Smith-Waterman algorithm or a hash function. In someembodiments, R1 and R2 sequences are generated for at least 100different target polynucleotides. In some embodiments, sequences A, B,C, and D are at least 5 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments,sequence G of every cluster is 1 to 1000 nucleotides in length. In someembodiments, each probe sequence B of a plurality of clusters iscomplementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant. In someembodiments, sequence B of one or more of the clusters comprises asequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 22-121. Insome embodiments, an R1 sequence is produced for at least about 10⁸clusters in a single reaction. In some embodiments, presence, absence,or allele ratio of one or more causal genetic variants is determinedwith an accuracy of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, theconsensus sequence identifies an insertion, a deletion, or an insertionand a deletion in a target polynucleotide with an accuracy of at leastabout 90%. In some embodiments each probe sequence B of a plurality ofclusters is complementary to a sequence comprising a non-subjectsequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a non-subject sequence.In some embodiments, the presence or absence of one or more non-subjectsequences is determined with an accuracy of at least about 90%. In someembodiments, the method further comprises calculating a plurality ofprobabilities based on the R1 sequences for the subject and includingthe probabilities in the report, wherein each probability is aprobability of the subject or a subject's offspring having or developinga disease or trait.

In some embodiments, each first molecule comprises a barcode sequence.In some embodiments, each barcode differs from every other barcode in aplurality of different barcodes analyzed in parallel. In someembodiments, the barcode sequence is associated with a single sample ina pool of samples sequenced in a single reaction. In some embodiments,each of a plurality of barcode sequences is uniquely associated with asingle sample in a pool of samples sequenced in a single reaction. Insome embodiments, the barcode sequence is located 5′ from sequence D′.In some embodiments, the method further comprises hybridizing a thirdprimer to sequence C′ and sequencing the barcode sequence by extensionof the third primer to produce a barcode sequence for each cluster. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises grouping sequences fromthe clusters based on the barcode sequences. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises discarding all but one of a plurality of R1sequences having the same sequence and alignment within a barcodesequence grouping.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting geneticvariation in a subject's genome. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises: (a) providing sequencing data for a plurality of clusters ofpolynucleotides, wherein (i) each cluster comprised multiple copies of anucleic acid duplex attached to a support; (ii) each duplex in a clustercomprised a first molecule comprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to3′ and a second molecule comprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′;(iii) sequence A′ is complementary to sequence A, sequence B′ iscomplementary to sequence B, sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C,sequence D′ is complementary to sequence D, and sequence G′ iscomplementary to sequence G; (iv) sequence G is a portion of a targetpolynucleotide sequence from a subject and is different for each of aplurality of clusters; (v) sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect tosequence G in the corresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (viii)the sequencing data comprises R1 sequences generated by extension of afirst primer comprising sequence D; and (vi) the sequencing datacomprises R2 sequences generated by extension of a second primercomprising sequence A; (b) performing a first alignment using a firstalgorithm to align all R1 sequences to a first reference sequence; (c)performing a second alignment using a second algorithm to locally alignR1 sequences identified in said first alignment as likely to contain aninsertion or deletion with respect to the first reference sequence, toproduce a single consensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (d)performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to a secondreference sequence; and (e) transmitting a report identifying sequencevariation identified by steps (b) to (d) to a receiver.

In some embodiments, the first reference sequence comprises a referencegenome. In some embodiments, the second reference sequence consists ofevery sequence B for every different target polynucleotide. In someembodiments, R2 sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises discarding an R1 sequencethat aligns to a first position in the first reference sequence that ismore than 10,000 base pairs away from a second position in the firstreference sequence to which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.In some embodiments, the method further comprises deleting a portion ofan R1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to bedeleted is identical to at least a portion of sequence B′ for thatcluster and sequence G is shorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.In some embodiments, the method further comprises deleting a portion ofan R1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to bedeleted is identical to at least a portion of any sequence B′, theportion includes either the 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) noR2 sequence was produced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced isnot identical to any sequence B. In some embodiments, performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm takes less timeand/or uses less system memory to align all R1 reads than would be takenand/or used if the system used the second algorithm to perform the firstalignment. In some embodiments, the first algorithm is based on theBurrows-Wheeler transform. In some embodiments, the second algorithm isbased on the Smith-Waterman algorithm or a hash function. In someembodiments, the sequencing data comprises R1 and R2 sequences for atleast 100 different target polynucleotides. In some embodiments,sequences A, B, C, and D are at least 5 nucleotides in length. In someembodiments, sequence G of every cluster is 1 to 1000 nucleotides inlength. In some embodiments, each probe sequence B of a plurality ofclusters is complementary to a sequence comprising a causal geneticvariant or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal geneticvariant. In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the clusterscomprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:22-121. In some embodiments, sequencing data comprises at least about10⁸ R1 sequences from a single reaction. In some embodiments, presence,absence, or allele ratio of one or more causal genetic variants isdetermined with an accuracy of at least about 90%. In some embodiments,the consensus sequence identifies an insertion, a deletion, or aninsertion and a deletion in a target polynucleotide with an accuracy ofat least about 90%. In some embodiments each probe sequence B of aplurality of clusters is complementary to a sequence comprising anon-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of anon-subject sequence. In some embodiments, the presence or absence ofone or more non-subject sequences is determined with an accuracy of atleast about 90%. In some embodiments, the method further comprisescalculating a plurality of probabilities based on the R1 sequences forthe subject and including the probabilities in the report, wherein eachprobability is a probability of the subject or a subject's offspringhaving or developing a disease or trait.

In some embodiments, each first molecule comprises a barcode sequence.In some embodiments, each barcode differs from every other barcode in aplurality of different barcodes analyzed in parallel. In someembodiments, the barcode sequence is associated with a single sample ina pool of samples sequenced in a single reaction and represented in thesequencing data. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of barcodesequences is uniquely associated with a single sample in a pool ofsamples sequenced in a single reaction. In some embodiments, the barcodesequence is located 5′from sequence D′. In some embodiments, thesequencing data further comprises a barcode sequence for each clustergenerated by extension of a third primer comprising sequence C. In someembodiments, the method further comprises grouping sequences from theclusters based on the barcode sequences. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises discarding all but one of a plurality of R1 sequenceshaving the same sequence and alignment within a barcode sequencegrouping.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an example solid support comprisingattached oligonucleotides, and the first steps in an example bridgeamplification process to amplify a target polynucleotide.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example capture and amplification process inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 provides a table of example causal genetic variants.

FIG. 4 provides a table of example sequences that are complementary toexample specific target sequences.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example amplification process in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process of target amplification, bridgeamplification, and sequencing.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example amplification process in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a non-limiting example of a computer system useful inthe methods of the invention.

FIG. 9 provides a number of AIMs that distinguish different populations.The entries refer to items in the dbSNP database, a database of geneticvariants maintained by the US government:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/SNP/. Curated records in dbSNP containinformation that describes the sequence and location of geneticvariants, and where available the frequency of alleles of those variantsin different populations. rs numbers (for example, rs332, rs25, etc.)are the ID numbers used to index the portion of the dbSNP database.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example data-handling process for aligningsequencing data.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for generating an alignment usingsequencing data.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an alignment before and after a fix_alignstep in an example alignment process.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an alignment before and after an examplelocal alignment step.

FIGS. 14-17 demonstrate exemplary processes of delivering a probabilitythat a user is a carrier of rare genetic disease.

FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary the input and output steps for reportgeneration for two hypothetical parents: Mama Hen (Jane Doe) and PapaHen (John Doe).

FIG. 19 illustrates the positional relationship of sequence regionsconsidered in a step of a sample probe design process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “polynucleotide”, “nucleotide”, “nucleotide sequence”,“nucleic acid” and “oligonucleotide” are used interchangeably. Theyrefer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, eitherdeoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof.Polynucleotides may have any three dimensional structure, and mayperform any function, known or unknown. The following are non limitingexamples of polynucleotides: coding or non-coding regions of a gene orgene fragment, intergenic DNA, loci (locus) defined from linkageanalysis, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA, ribosomalRNA, short interfering RNA (siRNA), short-hairpin RNA (shRNA), micro-RNA(miRNA), small nucleolar RNA, ribozymes, cDNA, recombinantpolynucleotides, branched polynucleotides, plasmids, vectors, isolatedDNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes,adapters, and primers. A polynucleotide may comprise modifiednucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. Ifpresent, modifications to the nucleotide structure may be impartedbefore or after assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides maybe interrupted by non nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may befurther modified after polymerization, such as by conjugation with alabeling component, tag, reactive moiety, or binding partner.Polynucleotide sequences, when provided, are listed in the 5′ to 3′direction, unless stated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “target polynucleotide” refers to a nucleicacid molecule or polynucleotide in a population of nucleic acidmolecules having a target sequence to which one or more oligonucleotidesof the invention are designed to hybridize. In some embodiments, atarget sequence uniquely identifies a sequence derived from a sample,such as a particular genomic, mitochondrial, bacterial, viral, or RNA(e.g. mRNA, miRNA, primary miRNA, or pre-miRNA) sequence. In someembodiments, a target sequence is a common sequence shared by multipledifferent target polynucleotides, such as a common adapter sequencejoined to different target polynucleotides. “Target polynucleotide” maybe used to refer to a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule comprising atarget sequence on one or both strands, or a single-stranded nucleicacid molecule comprising a target sequence, and may be derived from anysource of or process for isolating or generating nucleic acid molecules.A target polynucleotide may comprise one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, or more) target sequences, which may be the same ordifferent. In general, different target polynucleotides comprisedifferent sequences, such as one or more different nucleotides or one ormore different target sequences.

“Hybridization” and “annealing” refer to a reaction in which one or morepolynucleotides react to form a complex that is stabilized via hydrogenbonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues. The hydrogenbonding may occur by Watson Crick base pairing, Hoogstein binding, or inany other sequence specific manner. The complex may comprise two strandsforming a duplex structure, three or more strands forming a multistranded complex, a single self hybridizing strand, or any combinationof these. A hybridization reaction may constitute a step in a moreextensive process, such as the initiation of a PCR, or the enzymaticcleavage of a polynucleotide by a ribozyme. A first sequence that can bestabilized via hydrogen bonding with the bases of the nucleotideresidues of a second sequence is said to be “hybridizable” to the secondsequence. In such a case, the second sequence can also be said to behybridizable to the first sequence.

In general, a “complement” of a given sequence is a sequence that isfully complementary to and hybridizable to the given sequence. Ingeneral, a first sequence that is hybridizable to a second sequence orset of second sequences is specifically or selectively hybridizable tothe second sequence or set of second sequences, such that hybridizationto the second sequence or set of second sequences is preferred (e.g.thermodynamically more stable under a given set of conditions, such asstringent conditions commonly used in the art) to hybridization withnon-target sequences during a hybridization reaction. Typically,hybridizable sequences share a degree of sequence complementarity overall or a portion of their respective lengths, such as between 25%-100%complementarity, including at least about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,97%, 98%, 99%, and 100% sequence complementarity.

The term “hybridized” as applied to a polynucleotide refers to apolynucleotide in a complex that is stabilized via hydrogen bondingbetween the bases of the nucleotide residues. The hydrogen bonding mayoccur by Watson Crick base pairing, Hoogstein binding, or in any othersequence specific manner. The complex may comprise two strands forming aduplex structure, three or more strands forming a multi-strandedcomplex, a single self hybridizing strand, or any combination of these.The hybridization reaction may constitute a step in a more extensiveprocess, such as the initiation of a PCR reaction, ligation reaction,sequencing reaction, or cleavage reaction.

The practice of the present invention employs, unless otherwiseindicated, conventional techniques of immunology, biochemistry,chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genomics andrecombinant DNA, which are within the skill of the art. See e.g.Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis, MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL,2nd edition (1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (F. M.Ausubel, et al. eds., (1987)); the series METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY(Academic Press, Inc.): PCR 2: A PRACTICAL APPROACH (M. J. MacPherson,B. D. Hames and G. R. Taylor eds. (1995)), Harlow and Lane, eds. (1988)ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL, and ANIMAL CELL CULTURE (R. I.Freshney, ed. (1987)).

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of producing an apparatusfor sequencing a plurality of target polynucleotides. In one embodiment,the method comprises (a) providing a solid support having a reactivesurface; and (b) attaching to the solid support a plurality ofoligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the plurality of oligonucleotidescomprises (i) a plurality of different first oligonucleotides comprisingsequence A and sequence B, wherein sequence A is common among all firstoligonucleotides; and further wherein sequence B is different for eachdifferent first oligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each firstoligonucleotide, and is complementary to a sequence comprising a causalgenetic variant or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal geneticvariant; (ii) a plurality of second oligonucleotides comprising sequenceA at each 3′ end; and (iii) a plurality of third oligonucleotidescomprising sequence C at each 3′ end, wherein sequence C is the same asa sequence shared by a plurality of different target polynucleotides. Insome embodiments, one or more of sequences A, B, and C are differentsequences. In some embodiments, one or more of sequences A, B, and C areabout, less than about, or more than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more different from one or more of theother of sequences A, B, and C (e.g. have less than about 10%, 20%, 30%,40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more sequence identity). In someembodiments, one or more of sequences A, B, and C comprise about, lessthan about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, ormore nucleotides each.

A variety of suitable solid support materials are known in the art.Non-limiting examples of solid support materials include silica-basedsubstrates, such as glass, fused silica and other silica-containingmaterials; silicone hydrides or plastic materials, such as polyethylene,polystyrene, poly (vinyl chloride), polypropylene, nylons, polyesters,polycarbonates, poly (methyl methacrylate), and cyclic olefin polymersubstrates; and other solid support materials, such as gold, titaniumdioxide, or silicon supports. The solid support materials may beprovided in any suitable form, including but not limited to beads,nanoparticles, nanocrystals, fibers, microfibers, nanofibers, nanowires,nanotubes, mats, planar sheets, planar wafers or slides, multiwellplates, optical slides, flow cells, and channels. A solid support mayfurther include one or more additional structures, such as channels,microfluidic channels, capillaries, and wells. In some embodiments, thesolid support is a channel of a flow cell.

When referring to immobilization or attachment of molecules (e.g.nucleic acids) to a solid support, the terms “immobilized” and“attached” are used interchangeably herein and both terms, are intendedto encompass direct or indirect, covalent or non-covalent attachment,unless indicated otherwise. In some embodiments of the invention,covalent attachment may be preferred, but generally all that is requiredis that the molecules (e.g. nucleic acids) remain immobilized orattached to the support under the conditions in which it is intended touse the support, for example in nucleic acid amplification and/orsequencing applications.

In some embodiments, a solid support material comprises a material thatis reactive, such that under specified conditions, a molecule (such asan oligonucleotide or modified oligonucleotide) can be attached directlyto the surface of the solid support. In some embodiments, a solidsupport material comprises an inert substrate or matrix (e.g. glassslides, polymer beads, or other solid support material) that has been“functionalized”, for example by application of a layer or coating of anintermediate material comprising reactive groups which permit attachment(e.g. covalent attachment) to biomolecules, such as polynucleotides.Examples of such supports include, but are not limited to,polyacrylamide hydrogels supported on an inert substrate such as glass.In such embodiments, the biomolecules (e.g. oligonucleotide) may bedirectly covalently attached to the intermediate material (e.g. thehydrogel) but the intermediate material may itself be non-covalentlyattached to the substrate or matrix (e.g. the glass substrate).

A non-limiting example of a reactive surface includes the use ofbiotinylated albumins (BSA) to form a stable attachment of biotin groupsby physisorption of the protein onto surfaces. Covalent modification canbe performed using silanes, which have been used to attach molecules toa solid support, usually a glass slide. By way of example, a mixture oftetraethoxysilane and triethoxy-bromoacetamidopropyl-silane (e.g. in aratio of 1:100) can be used to prepare functionalized glass slides whichpermit attachment of nucleic acids including a thiophosphate orphosphorothioate functionality. Biotin molecules can be attached tosurfaces using appropriately reactive species such asbiotin-PEG-succinimidyl ester which reacts with an amino surface.

In some embodiments, oligonucleotides to be attached to the solidsupport comprise a reactive moiety. In general, a reactive moietyincludes any moiety that facilitates attachment to the solid support byreacting with the reactive surface. In some embodiments, functionalizedpolyacrylamide hydrogels are used to attach a plurality ofoligonucleotides comprising a reactive moiety, wherein the reactivemoiety is a sulfur-containing nucleophilic group. Examples ofappropriate sulfur nucleophile-containing polynucleotides are disclosedin Zhao et al (Nucleic Acids Research, 2001, 29(4), 955-959) and Pirrunget al (Langmuir, 2000, 16, 2185-2191) and include, for example, simplethiols, thiophosphates, and thiophosphoramidates. Preferred hydrogelsare those formed from a mixture of (i) a first co-monomer which isacrylamide, methacrylamide, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, or N-vinylpyrrolidinone; and (ii) a second co-monomer which is a functionalizedacrylamide or acrylate, such as N-(5-bromoacetamidylpentyl)acrylamide,tetramethylethylenediamine In some embodiments, a reactive surfacecomprising a functionalized polyacrylamide is produced from apolymerization mixture comprising acrylamide,N-(5-bromoacetamidylpentyl)acrylamide, tetramethylethylenediamine, andpotassium persulfate. Further non-limiting examples of support materialsand reactive surfaces are provided by US20120053074 and WO2005065814,which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Oligonucleotides to which the solid support is exposed for attachmentmay be of any suitable length, and may comprise one or more sequenceelements. Examples of sequence elements include, but are not limited to,one or more amplification primer annealing sequences or complementsthereof, one or more sequencing primer annealing sequences orcomplements thereof, one or more common sequences shared among multipledifferent oligonucleotides or subsets of different oligonucleotides, oneor more restriction enzyme recognition sites, one or more targetrecognition sequences complementary to one or more target polynucleotidesequences, one or more random or near-random sequences (e.g. one or morenucleotides selected at random from a set of two or more differentnucleotides at one or more positions, with each of the differentnucleotides selected at one or more positions represented in a pool ofoligonucleotides comprising the random sequence), one or more spacers,and combinations thereof. Two or more sequence elements can benon-adjacent to one another (e.g. separated by one or more nucleotides),adjacent to one another, partially overlapping, or completelyoverlapping. For example, an amplification primer annealing sequence canalso serve as a sequencing primer annealing sequence. Sequence elementscan be located at or near the 3′ end, at or near the 5′ end, or in theinterior of the oligonucleotide. In general, as used herein, a sequenceelement located “at the 3′ end” includes the 3′-most nucleotide of theoligonucleotide, and a sequence element located “at the 5′ end” includesthe 5′-most nucleotide of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, asequence element is about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 50, or more nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, anoligonucleotide is about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or more nucleotides inlength.

A spacer may consist of a repeated single nucleotide (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more of the same nucleotide in a row), or asequence of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides repeated 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more times. A spacer may comprise orconsist of a specific sequence, such as a sequence that does nothybridize to any target sequence in a sample. A spacer may comprise orconsist of a sequence of randomly selected nucleotides.

In some embodiments, a plurality of different first oligonucleotides areattached to the solid support, each comprising a sequence A that iscommon among all first oligonucleotides and a sequence B that isdifferent for each different first oligonucleotide. In some embodiments,sequence B of each first oligonucleotide is complementary to a differenttarget sequence. In some embodiments, the plurality of firstoligonucleotides comprises about, less than about, or more than about 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500,5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more different firstoligonucleotides, each comprising a different sequence B. In someembodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides comprises a sequence selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4 (e.g. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100different oligonucleotides each with a different sequence from FIG. 4).In some embodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which itspecifically hybridizes comprises a causal genetic variant. In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of a causal genetic variant. Causalgenetic variants are typically located downstream of a firstoligonucleotide, such that at least a portion of the causal geneticvariant serves as template for extension of a first oligonucleotide. Ingeneral, causal genetic variants are genetic variants for which there isstatistical, biological, and/or functional evidence of association witha disease or trait. A single causal genetic variant can be associatedwith more than one disease or trait. In some embodiments, a causalgenetic variant can be associated with a Mendelian trait, anon-Mendelian trait, or both. Causal genetic variants can manifest asvariations in a polynucleotide, such 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20,50, or more sequence differences (such as between a polynucleotidecomprising the causal genetic variant and a polynucleotide lacking thecausal genetic variant at the same relative genomic position).Non-limiting examples of types of causal genetic variants include singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIP),copy number variants (CNV), short tandem repeats (STR), restrictionfragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), simple sequence repeats (SSR),variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), randomly amplified polymorphicDNA (RAPD), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP),inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphisms (IRAP), long and shortinterspersed elements (LINE/SINE), long tandem repeats (LTR), mobileelements, retrotransposon microsatellite amplified polymorphisms,retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphisms, sequence specificamplified polymorphism, and heritable epigenetic modification (forexample, DNA methylation). A causal genetic variant may also be a set ofclosely related causal genetic variants. Some causal genetic variantsmay exert influence as sequence variations in RNA polynucleotides. Atthis level, some causal genetic variants are also indicated by thepresence or absence of a species of RNA polynucleotides. Also, somecausal genetic variants result in sequence variations in proteinpolypeptides. A number of causal genetic variants are known in the art.An example of a causal genetic variant that is a SNP is the Hb S variantof hemoglobin that causes sickle cell anemia. An example of a causalgenetic variant that is a DIP is the delta508 mutation of the CFTR genewhich causes cystic fibrosis. An example of a causal genetic variantthat is a CNV is trisomy 21, which causes Down's syndrome. An example ofa causal genetic variant that is an STR is tandem repeat that causesHuntington's disease. FIG. 3 provides a table of non-limiting examplesof causal genetic variants, and associated diseases. Non-limitingexamples of causal genetic variants are also described in US20100022406,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Causal genetic variants can be originally discovered by statistical andmolecular genetic analyses of the genotypes and phenotypes ofindividuals, families, and populations. The causal genetic variants forMendelian traits are typically identified in a two-stage process. In thefirst stage, families in which multiple individuals who possess thetrait are examined for genotype and phenotype. Genotype and phenotypedata from these families is used to establish the statisticalassociation between the presence of the Mendelian trait and the presenceof a number of genetic markers. This association establishes a candidateregion in which the causal genetic variant is likely to map. In a secondstage, the causal genetic variant itself is identified. The second steptypically entails sequencing the candidate region. More sophisticated,one-stage processes are possible with more advanced technologies whichpermit the direct identification of a causal genetic variant or theidentification of smaller candidate regions. After one causal geneticvariant for a trait is discovered, additional variants for the sametrait can be discovered by simple methods. For example, the geneassociated with the trait can be sequenced in individuals who possessthe trait or their relatives. The invention of new methods fordiscovering causal genetic variants is an active area of research. Theapplication of existing methods and the incorporation of new methods isexpected to continue to result in the discovery of additional causalgenetic variants which can be used or tested for by the devices,systems, and methods herein. Many causal genetic variants are catalogedin databases including the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)and the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). Causal genetic variants arealso reported in the scholarly literature, at conferences, and inpersonal communications between scholars.

A causal genetic variant may exist at any frequency within a specifiedpopulations. In some embodiments, at least one of the causal geneticvariants causes a trait having an incidence of no more than 1% areference population. In another embodiment at least one of the causalgenetic variants causes a trait having an incidence of no more than1/10,000 in a reference population. In some embodiments, a causalgenetic variant is associated with a disease or trait. In someembodiments, a causal genetic variant is a genetic variant the presenceof which increases the risk of having or developing a disease or traitby about, less than about, or more than about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%,25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500%, ormore. . In some embodiments, a causal genetic variant is a geneticvariant the presence of which increases the risk of having or developinga disease or trait by about, less than about, or more than about 1-fold,2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold,25-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, 1000-fold, 10000-fold, or more. Insome embodiments, a causal genetic variant is a genetic variant thepresence of which increases the risk of having or developing a diseaseor trait by any statistically significant amount, such as an increasehaving a p-value of about or less than about 0.1, 0.05, 10⁻³, 10⁻⁴,10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁹, 10⁻¹⁰, 10⁻¹¹, 10⁻¹², 10⁻¹³, 10⁻¹⁴, 10⁻¹⁵,or smaller.

In some embodiments, a causal genetic variant has a different degree ofassociation with a disease or trait between two or more differentpopulations of individuals, such as between two or more humanpopulations. In some embodiments, a causal genetic variant has astatistically significant association with a disease or trait onlywithin one or more populations, such as one or more human populations. Ahuman population can be a group of people sharing a common geneticinheritance, such as an ethnic group (for example, Caucasian). A humanpopulation can be a haplotype population or group of haplotypepopulations (for example, haplotype H1, M52). A human population can bea national group (for example, Americans, English, Irish). A humanpopulation can be a demographic population such as those delineated byage, sex, and socioeconomic factors. Human populations can be historicalpopulations. A population can consist of individuals distributed over alarge geographic area such that individuals at extremes of thedistribution may never meet one another. The individuals of a populationcan be geographically dispersed into discontinuous areas. Populationscan be informative about biogeographical ancestry. Populations can alsobe defined by ancestry. Genetic studies can define populations. In someembodiments, a population may be based on ancestry and genetics, withmajor human populations corresponding to continental scale groupings,which include Western Eurasian, sub-Saharan African, East Asian, andNative American. Most humans can be assigned to at least one of thesepopulations on the basis of ancestry. A number of smaller populationsare also distinguished as continental groups, including IndigenousAustralian, Oceanian, and Bushmen.

Very often, populations can be further decomposed into sub-populations.The relationship between populations and subpopulations can behierarchical. For example, the Oceanian population can be furthersub-divided into sub-populations including Polynesians, Melanesians andMicronesians. The Western Eurasian population can be further sub-dividedinto sub-populations including European, Western/Central Asian, SouthAsian, and North African. The European population can be furthersub-divided into sub-populations including North-Western European,Southern European, and Ashkenazi Jewish populations. The North-WesternEuropean population can be further sub-divided into national populationsincluding English, Irish, German, Finnish, and the like. The East Asianpopulation can be further sub-divided into Chinese, Japanese, and Koreansubpopulations. The South Asian population can be further sub-dividedinto Indian and Pakistani populations. The Indian population can befurther sub-divided into Dravidian people, Brahui people, Kannadigas,Malayalis, Tamils, Telugus, Tuluvas, and Gonds. A sub-population mayserve as a population for the purpose of identifying a causal geneticvariant.

In some embodiments, a causal genetic variant is associated with adisease, such as a rare genetic disease. Examples of diseases with whicha causal genetic variant may be associated include, but are not limitedto: 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency, ABCC8-Related Hyperinsulinism, ARSACS,Achondroplasia, Achromatopsia, Adenosine Monophosphate Deaminase 1,Agenesis of Corpus Callosum with Neuronopathy, Alkaptonuria,Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, Alpha-Mannosidosis,Alpha-Sarcoglycanopathy, Alpha-Thalassemia, Alzheimers, Angiotensin IIReceptor, Type I, Apolipoprotein E Genotyping, Argininosuccinicaciduria,Aspartylglycosaminuria, Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency,Ataxia-Telangiectasia, Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy Syndrome Type 1,BRCA1 Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer, BRCA2 Hereditary Breast/OvarianCancer, one or more other types of cancer, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, BestVitelliform Macular Dystrophy, Beta-Sarcoglycanopathy, Beta-Thalassemia,Biotinidase Deficiency, Blau Syndrome, Bloom Syndrome, CFTR-RelatedDisorders, CLN3-Related Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis, CLN5-RelatedNeuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis, CLN8-Related NeuronalCeroid-Lipofuscinosis, Canavan Disease, Carnitine PalmitoyltransferaseIA Deficiency, Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase II Deficiency,Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia, Cerebral Cavernous Malformation,Choroideremia, Cohen Syndrome, Congenital Cataracts, Facial Dysmorphism,and Neuropathy, Congenital Disorder of Glycosylationla, CongenitalDisorder of Glycosylation Ib, Congenital Finnish Nephrosis, CrohnDisease, Cystinosis, DFNA 9 (COCH), Diabetes and Hearing Loss,Early-Onset Primary Dystonia (DYTI), Epidermolysis Bullosa Junctional,Herlitz-Pearson Type, FANCC-Related Fanconi Anemia, FGFR1-RelatedCraniosynostosis, FGFR2-Related Craniosynostosis, FGFR3-RelatedCraniosynostosis, Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia, Factor V R2 MutationThrombophilia, Factor XI Deficiency, Factor XIII Deficiency, FamilialAdenomatous Polyposis, Familial Dysautonomia, FamilialHypercholesterolemia Type B, Familial Mediterranean Fever, Free SialicAcid Storage Disorders, Frontotemporal Dementia with Parkinsonism-17,Fumarase deficiency, GJB2-Related DFNA 3 Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss andDeafness, GJB2-Related DFNB 1 Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss and Deafness,GNE-Related Myopathies, Galactosemia, Gaucher Disease,Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Glutaricacidemia Type 1,Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a, Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1b,Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, Glycogen Storage Disease Type III,Glycogen Storage Disease Type V, Gracile Syndrome, HFE-AssociatedHereditary Hemochromatosis, Halder AIMs, Hemoglobin S Beta-Thalassemia,Hereditary Fructose Intolerance, Hereditary Pancreatitis, HereditaryThymine-Uraciluria, Hexosaminidase A Deficiency, Hidrotic EctodermalDysplasia 2, Homocystinuria Caused by Cystathionine Beta-SynthaseDeficiency, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Type 1,Hyperornithinemia-Hyperammonemia-Homocitrullinuria Syndrome,Hyperoxaluria, Primary, Type 1, Hyperoxaluria, Primary, Type 2,Hypochondroplasia, Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Type 1, HypokalemicPeriodic Paralysis Type 2, Hypophosphatasia, Infantile Myopathy andLactic Acidosis (Fatal and Non-Fatal Forms), Isovaleric Acidemias,Krabbe Disease, LGMD2I, Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, LeighSyndrome, French-Canadian Type, Long Chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoADehydrogenase Deficiency, MELAS, MERRF, MTHFR Deficiency, MTHFRThermolabile Variant, MTRNR1-Related Hearing Loss and Deafness,MTTS1-Related Hearing Loss and Deafness, MYH-Associated Polyposis, MapleSyrup Urine Disease Type 1A, Maple Syrup Urine Disease Type 1B,McCune-Albright Syndrome, Medium Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A DehydrogenaseDeficiency, Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts,Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy,Mitochondrial DNA-Associated Leigh Syndrome and NARP, Mucolipidosis IV,Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I, Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA,Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2,Muscle-Eye-Brain Disease, Nemaline Myopathy, Neurological phenotype,Niemann-Pick Disease Due to Sphingomyelinase Deficiency, Niemann-PickDisease Type C1, Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome, PPT1-Related NeuronalCeroid-Lipofuscinosis, PROP1-related pituitary hormome deficiency,Pallister-Hall Syndrome, Paramyotonia Congenita, Pendred Syndrome,Peroxisomal Bifunctional Enzyme Deficiency, Pervasive DevelopmentalDisorders, Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency, Plasminogen ActivatorInhibitor I, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Autosomal Recessive, ProthrombinG20210A Thrombophilia, Pseudovitamin D Deficiency Rickets,Pycnodysostosis, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Autosomal Recessive, BothniaType, Rett Syndrome, Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata Type 1, ShortChain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome,Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, Spastic Paraplegia13, Sulfate Transporter-Related Osteochondrodysplasia, TFR2-RelatedHereditary Hemochromatosis, TPP1-Related Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis,Thanatophoric Dysplasia, Transthyretin Amyloidosis, TrifunctionalProtein Deficiency, Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Deficient DRD, Tyrosinemia TypeI, Wilson Disease, X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis, and ZellwegerSyndrome Spectrum.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises a non-subject sequence. In some embodiments,sequence B or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizes iswithin about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 500or more nucleotides of a non-subject sequence. In general, a non-subjectsequence corresponds to a polynucleotide derived from an organism otherthan the individual being tested, such as DNA or RNA from bacteria,archaea, viruses, protists, fungi, or other organism. A non-subjectsequence may be indicative of the identity of an organism or class oforganisms, and may further be indicative of a disease state, such asinfection. An example of non-subject sequences useful in identifying anorganism include, without limitation, rRNA sequences, such as 16s rRNAsequences (see e.g. WO2010151842). In some embodiments, non-subjectsequences are analyzed instead of, or separately from causal geneticvariants. In some embodiments, causal genetic variants and non-subjectsequences are analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g.using a mixture of first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near a non-subject sequence) and/or in thesame report.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises an ancestry informative marker (AIM). In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of an AIM. In general, an AIM is agenetic variant that differs in frequency between two or morepopulations of individuals, such as two or more human populations, andmay be used to infer the ancestry of a subject, either alone or incombination with one or more other AIMs. An AIM may be used to classifya person as belonging to or not belonging to one or more populations,such as a population that is at increased risk for one of the causalgenetic variants. For example, an AIM can be diagnostic for a populationin which a trait is at increased prevalence. In certain instances theAIM may distinguish between populations with finer granularity, forexample, between sub-continental groups or related ethnic groups. Insome embodiments, AIMs are analyzed instead of, or separately fromcausal genetic variants and/or non-subject sequences. In someembodiments, AIMs, causal genetic variants, and/or non-subject sequencesare analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g. using amixture of first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near an AIM) and/or in the same report.Non-limiting examples of types of AIMs include single nucleotidepolymorphisms (SNP), deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIP), copy numbervariants (CNV), short tandem repeats (STR), restriction fragment lengthpolymorphisms (RFLP), simple sequence repeats (SSR), variable number oftandem repeats (VNTR), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD),amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), inter-retrotransposonamplified polymorphisms (IRAP), long and short interspersed elements(LINE/SINE), long tandem repeats (LTR), mobile elements, retrotransposonmicrosatellite amplified polymorphisms, retrotransposon-based insertionpolymorphisms, sequence specific amplified polymorphism, and heritableepigenetic modification (for example, DNA methylation). AIMs can also besequence variations in RNA polynucleotides. Some AIMs can also beindicated by the presence or the concentration of a species of RNApolynucleotides. Some AIMs can also be sequence variations in proteinpolypeptides. Some AIMs can also be indicated by the presence or absenceof a species of protein polypeptides. A number of ancestry informativemarkers are identified in FIG. 9. Other AIMs are described in US2007/0037182. An AIM may or may not also be a causal genetic variant.For example, the Duffy Null (FY*0) genetic variant causes an absence ofa blood antigen. This variant is at nearly 100% frequency in sub-SaharanAfrican populations and at nearly 0% frequency in populations outside ofsub-Saharan Africa. Many causal genetic variants associated withpigmentation are also AIMs. AIMs that are not causal genetic variantscan be indirectly associated with traits caused by other AIMs.

AIMs can be discovered by determining the frequency of genetic variantsin a plurality of populations. This may be achieved by determining thefrequency of already known variants in individuals from variouspopulations. It may also be achieved intrinsically during the process ofvariant discovery. Both tasks were undertaken by the InternationalHapMap project, which catalogued SNP polymorphisms. Ancestry informativemarkers can be ranked by a variety of measurements which judge theirpredictive power. One measurement is Wright's F-statistic, called Fst orFST. This variable is known by other names, including Fixation index.Another metric for ranking AIMs is informativeness. Another method ofranking AIMs is the PCA-correlated SNPs method of Paschou et al.(Paschou et al. PCA-correlated SNPs for structure identification inworldwide human populations. PLoS Genet (2007) vol. 3 (9) pp. 1672-86).

To achieve a pre-selected degree of confidence (e.g. at least about 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or more) in ancestry inference on the basisof ancestry informative markers, and to achieve ancestry inference for aplurality of populations, it may be necessary to examine more than oneancestry informative marker. A sufficiently large panel of randomlyselected genetic variants can be used to infer ancestry (e.g. about ormore than about 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, ormore AIMs). A targeted set of especially appropriate AIMs can beconstructed. Many researchers have published lists of suggested ancestryinformative markers (for example: Seldin et al. Application of ancestryinformative markers to association studies in European Americans. PLoSGenet (2008) vol. 4 (1) pp. e5; Halder et al. A panel of ancestryinformative markers for estimating individual biogeographical ancestryand admixture from four continents: utility and applications. Hum Mutat(2008) vol. 29 (5) pp. 648-58; Tian et al. Analysis and application ofEuropean genetic substructure using 300 K SNP information. PLoS Genet(2008) vol. 4 (1) pp. e4; Price et al. Discerning the ancestry ofEuropean Americans in genetic association studies. PLoS Genet (2008)vol. 4 (1) pp. e236; Paschou et al. PCA-correlated SNPs for structureidentification in worldwide human populations. PLoS Genet (2007) vol. 3(9) pp. 1672-86; and Bauchet et al. Measuring European populationstratification with microarray genotype data. Am J Hum Genet (2007) vol.80 (5) pp. 948-56.). These and similar lists can be used to build apanel of AIMs for which a device or method herein can be configured totest for.

In some embodiments, a plurality of second nucleotides and a pluralityof third nucleotides are attached to the solid support in addition tothe plurality of first nucleotides. In some embodiments, the secondnucleotides all comprise sequence A at the 3′ end, where sequence A inthe plurality of second oligonucleotides is the same as sequence A inall of the first oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the thirdoligonucleotides comprise sequence C at the 3′ end, where sequence C iscomplementary to a sequence shared by a plurality of different targetpolynucleotides. In some embodiments, extension of a firstoligonucleotide along a target polynucleotide serving as a templategenerates an extension product comprising sequence C′, which iscomplementary and specifically hybridizable to sequence C. In someembodiments, the amount of the plurality of second oligonucleotidesexposed to the solid support is about, less than about, or more thanabout 10-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, 1000-fold, 5000-fold, 7500-fold,10000-fold, 12500-fold, 15000-fold, 20000-fold, 50000-fold, 100000-fold,or more higher than the amount of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides exposed to the solid support, such as in a reaction forattached the plurality of oligonucleotides to the solid support. In someembodiments, the ratio (or the inverse ratio) of the amount of theplurality of second oligonucleotides to the amount of thirdoligonucleotides exposed to the solid support is about, less than about,or more than about 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, ormore. In some embodiments, the plurality of first oligonucleotides isadded to the solid support at a concentration of about, less than about,or more than about 0.5 pM, 1 pM, 5 pM, 10 pM, 25 pM, 50 pM, 75 pM, 100pM, 200 pM, 500 pM, 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 500 nM, or higher. In someembodiments, the concentration of the plurality of secondoligonucleotides and/or the third oligonucleotides is about, less thanabout, or more than about 0.5 nM, 1 nM, 5 nM, 10 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM, 75nM, 100 nM, 200 nM, 500 nM, 1 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, 25 μM, 50 μM, 100 μM, 500μM, or higher.

In some embodiments, one or more the plurality of oligonucleotidescomprise one or more blocking groups. In general, a blocking group isany modification that prevents extension of a 3′ end of anoligonucleotide, such as by a polymerase, a ligase, and/or otherenzymes. A blocking group may be added before or after anoligonucleotide is attached to the solid support. In some embodiments, ablocking group is added during an amplification or sequencing process.Examples of blocking groups include, but are not limited to, alkylgroups, non-nucleotide linkers, phosphorothioate, alkane-diol residues,peptide nucleic acid, and nucleotide derivatives lacking a 3′-OH,including, for example, cordycepin.

In some embodiments, one or more of the oligonucleotides attached to thesubstrate comprise a cleavage site, such that cleavage at that sitereleases all or a portion of the cleaved polynucleotide from attachmentto the solid support. In some embodiments, cleavage produces a 3′ endthat may be extended along a polynucleotide template. In someembodiments, only a portion of the plurality of first, second, and/orthird oligonucleotides comprise a cleavage site (e.g. about, less thanabout, or more than about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%,or more). The cleavage site may be cleavable by any suitable means,including but not limited to chemical, enzymatic, and photochemicalcleavage. The cleavage groups may be positioned between the firstnucleotide and the solid support, or at or after any number ofnucleotides in the oligonucleotide, such as about, less than about, ormore than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20,or more nucleotides from the point of attachment to the solid support.

Processes for chemical, enzymatic, and photochemical cleavage, andcleavage sites cleaved by such processes are known in the art. Examplesof cleavage means include, but are not limited to, restriction enzymedigestion, in which case the cleavage site is an appropriate restrictionsite for the enzyme which directs cleavage of one or both strands of aduplex template; RNase digestion or chemical cleavage of a bond betweena deoxyribonucleotide and a ribonucleotide, in which case the cleavagesite may include one or more ribonucleotides; chemical reduction of adisulphide linkage with a reducing agent (e.g. TCEP), in which case thecleavage site should include an appropriate disulphide linkage; chemicalcleavage of a diol linkage with periodate, in which case the cleavagesite should include a diol linkage; generation of an abasic site andsubsequent hydrolysis. Cleavage may be followed by blocking to produce a3′ end that cannot be extended, such as by a polymerase, a ligase,and/or other enzymes. An example of a blocking agents include, but arenot limited to amines (e.g. ethanolamine), which may be added before,during, or after the addition of a cleaving agent. Additionalnon-limiting examples of cleavage processes and cleavage sites aredescribed in US20120053074, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

In some embodiments, a plurality of target polynucleotides are amplifiedaccording to a method that comprises exposing a sample comprising aplurality of target polynucleotides to an apparatus of the invention. Insome embodiments, the amplification process comprises bridgeamplification. General methods for conducting standard bridgeamplification are known in the art. By way of example, WO/1998/044151and WO/2000/018957 both describe methods of nucleic acid amplificationwhich allow amplification products to be immobilized on a solid supportin order to form arrays comprised of clusters or “colonies” formed froma plurality of identical immobilized polynucleotide strands and aplurality of identical immobilized complementary strands. In someembodiments, a plurality of polynucleotides are sequenced according to amethod that comprises exposing a sample comprising a plurality of targetpolynucleotides to an apparatus of the invention. General methods forconducting sequencing using a plurality of oligonucleotides attached toa solid support are known in the art, such as methods disclosed inUS20120053074 and US20110223601, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. Non-limiting, exemplary methods foramplifying and/or sequencing target polynucleotides in accordance withthe methods and apparatuses of the invention are provided herein. Ingeneral, amplification of specific target polynucleotides permits thegeneration of sequencing data that is enriched for targetpolynucleotides, such as target genomic sequences, relative tonon-target polynucleotides. In some embodiments, the enrichment ofsequencing data for target polynucleotides (especially sequencing datafor causal genetic variants) relative to non-target polynucleotides isabout or at least about 10-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, 1000-fold,5000-fold, 10000-fold, 50000-fold, 100000-fold, 1000000-fold, or more.

Non-limiting examples of substrates comprising oligonucleotides, methodsfor their production, and systems and methods for their operation areprovided in WO/2008/002502, which in hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for sequencing aplurality of target polynucleotides in a sample. In one embodiment, themethod comprises: (a) fragmenting target polynucleotides to producefragmented polynucleotides; (b) joining adapter oligonucleotides to thefragmented polynucleotides, each of the adapter oligonucleotidescomprising sequence D, to produce adapted polynucleotides comprisingsequence D hybridized to complementary sequence D′ at both ends of theadapted polynucleotides, optionally wherein sequence D′ is produced byextension of a target polynucleotide 3′ end; (c) amplifying the adaptedpolynucleotides using amplification primers comprising sequence C,sequence D, and a barcode associated with the sample, wherein sequence Dis positioned at the 3′ end of the amplification primers; (d)hybridizing amplified target polynucleotides to a plurality of differentfirst oligonucleotides that are attached to a solid surface; (e)performing bridge amplification on a solid surface; and (f) sequencing aplurality of polynucleotides from step (e). The solid surface maycomprise a plurality of oligonucleotides as described herein, includingan apparatus as described herein and optionally produced according tothe methods described herein. In some embodiments, the solid surfacecomprises (i) a plurality of different first oligonucleotides comprisingsequence A and sequence B, wherein sequence A is common among all firstoligonucleotides; and further wherein sequence B is different for eachdifferent first oligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each firstoligonucleotide, and is complementary to a sequence comprising a causalgenetic variant or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal geneticvariant; (ii) a plurality of second oligonucleotides comprising sequenceA at each 3′ end; and (iii) a plurality of third oligonucleotidescomprising sequence C at each 3′ end. In some embodiments, one or moreof sequences A, B, C, and D are different sequences. In someembodiments, one or more of sequences A, B, C, and D are about, lessthan about, or more than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more different from one or more of the other ofsequences A, B, C, and D (e.g. have less than about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more sequence identity). In someembodiments, one or more of sequences A, B, C, and D comprise about,less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15,20, or more nucleotides each.

Samples from which the target polynucleotides are derived can comprisemultiple samples from the same individual, samples from differentindividuals, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a samplecomprises a plurality of polynucleotides from a single individual. Insome embodiments, a sample comprises a plurality of polynucleotides fromtwo or more individuals. An individual is any organism or portionthereof from which target polynucleotides can be derived, non-limitingexamples of which include plants, animals, fungi, protists, monerans,viruses, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Sample polynucleotides can beisolated from a subject, such as a cell sample, tissue sample, fluidsample, or organ sample derived therefrom (or cell cultures derived fromany of these), including, for example, cultured cell lines, biopsy,blood sample, cheek swab, or fluid sample containing a cell (e.g.saliva). The subject may be an animal, including but not limited to, acow, a pig, a mouse, a rat, a chicken, a cat, a dog, etc., and isusually a mammal, such as a human. Samples can also be artificiallyderived, such as by chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, samplescomprise DNA. In some embodiments, samples comprise genomic DNA. In someembodiments, samples comprise mitochondrial DNA, chloroplast DNA,plasmid DNA, bacterial artificial chromosomes, yeast artificialchromosomes, oligonucleotide tags, polynucleotides from an organism(e.g. bacteria, virus, or fungus) other than the subject from whom thesample is taken, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thesamples comprise DNA generated by amplification, such as by primerextension reactions using any suitable combination of primers and a DNApolymerase, including but not limited to polymerase chain reaction(PCR), reverse transcription, and combinations thereof. Where thetemplate for the primer extension reaction is RNA, the product ofreverse transcription is referred to as complementary DNA (cDNA).Primers useful in primer extension reactions can comprise sequencesspecific to one or more targets, random sequences, partially randomsequences, and combinations thereof. Reaction conditions suitable forprimer extension reactions are known in the art. In general, samplepolynucleotides comprise any polynucleotide present in a sample, whichmay or may not include target polynucleotides. In some embodiments, asample from a single individual is divided into multiple separatesamples (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more separate samples) thatare subjected to the methods of the invention independently, such asanalysis in duplicate, triplicate, quadruplicate, or more.

Methods for the extraction and purification of nucleic acids are wellknown in the art. For example, nucleic acids can be purified by organicextraction with phenol, phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, or similarformulations, including TRIzol and TriReagent. Other non-limitingexamples of extraction techniques include: (1) organic extractionfollowed by ethanol precipitation, e.g., using a phenol/chloroformorganic reagent (Ausubel et al., 1993), with or without the use of anautomated nucleic acid extractor, e.g., the Model 341 DNA Extractoravailable from Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif); (2) stationaryphase adsorption methods (U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,809; Walsh et al., 1991);and (3) salt-induced nucleic acid precipitation methods (Miller et al.,(1988), such precipitation methods being typically referred to as“salting-out” methods. Another example of nucleic acid isolation and/orpurification includes the use of magnetic particles to which nucleicacids can specifically or non-specifically bind, followed by isolationof the beads using a magnet, and washing and eluting the nucleic acidsfrom the beads (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,628). In some embodiments,the above isolation methods may be preceded by an enzyme digestion stepto help eliminate unwanted protein from the sample, e.g., digestion withproteinase K, or other like proteases. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.7,001,724. If desired, RNase inhibitors may be added to the lysisbuffer. For certain cell or sample types, it may be desirable to add aprotein denaturation/digestion step to the protocol. Purificationmethods may be directed to isolate DNA, RNA, or both. When both DNA andRNA are isolated together during or subsequent to an extractionprocedure, further steps may be employed to purify one or bothseparately from the other. Sub-fractions of extracted nucleic acids canalso be generated, for example, purification by size, sequence, or otherphysical or chemical characteristic. In addition to an initial nucleicacid isolation step, purification of nucleic acids can be performedafter any step in the methods of the invention, such as to remove excessor unwanted reagents, reactants, or products. Methods for determiningthe amount and/or purity of nucleic acids in a sample are known in theart, and include absorbance (e.g. absorbance of light at 260 nm, 280 nm,and a ratio of these) and detection of a label (e.g. fluorescent dyesand intercalating agents, such as SYBR green, SYBR blue, DAPI, propidiumiodine, Hoechst stain, SYBR gold, ethidium bromide).

In some embodiments, target polynucleotides are fragmented into apopulation of fragmented polynucleotides of one or more specific sizerange(s). In some embodiments, the amount of sample polynucleotidessubjected to fragmentation is about, less than about, or more than about50 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 300 ng, 400 ng, 500 ng, 600 ng, 700 ng, 800 ng,900 ng, 1000 ng, 1500 ng, 2000 ng, 2500 ng, 5000 ng, 10 μg, or more. Insome embodiments, fragments are generated from about, less than about,or more than about 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000, 300000, 500000, ormore genome-equivalents of starting DNA. Fragmentation may beaccomplished by methods known in the art, including chemical, enzymatic,and mechanical fragmentation. In some embodiments, the fragments have anaverage or median length from about 10 to about 10,000 nucleotides. Insome embodiments, the fragments have an average or median length fromabout 50 to about 2,000 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragmentshave an average or median length of about, less than about, more thanabout, or between about 100-2500, 200-1000, 10-800, 10-500, 50-500,50-250, or 50-150 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragments havean average or median length of about, less than about, or more thanabout 200, 300, 500, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 or more nucleotides. In someembodiments, the fragmentation is accomplished mechanically comprisingsubjecting sample polynucleotides to acoustic sonication. In someembodiments, the fragmentation comprises treating the samplepolynucleotides with one or more enzymes under conditions suitable forthe one or more enzymes to generate double-stranded nucleic acid breaks.Examples of enzymes useful in the generation of polynucleotide fragmentsinclude sequence specific and non-sequence specific nucleases.Non-limiting examples of nucleases include DNase I, Fragmentase,restriction endonucleases, variants thereof, and combinations thereof.For example, digestion with DNase I can induce random double-strandedbreaks in DNA in the absence of Mg++ and in the presence of Mn++. Insome embodiments, fragmentation comprises treating the samplepolynucleotides with one or more restriction endonucleases.Fragmentation can produce fragments having 5′ overhangs, 3′ overhangs,blunt ends, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, such as whenfragmentation comprises the use of one or more restrictionendonucleases, cleavage of sample polynucleotides leaves overhangshaving a predictable sequence. In some embodiments, the method includesthe step of size selecting the fragments via standard methods such ascolumn purification or isolation from an agarose gel. In someembodiments, the method comprises determining the average and/or medianfragment length after fragmentation. In some embodiments, samples havingan average and/or median fragment length above a desired threshold areagain subjected to fragmentation. In some embodiments, samples having anaverage and/or median fragment length below a desired threshold arediscarded.

In some embodiments, the 5′ and/or 3′ end nucleotide sequences offragmented polynucleotides are not modified prior to ligation with oneor more adapter oligonucleotides (also referred to as “adapters”). Forexample, fragmentation by a restriction endonuclease can be used toleave a predictable overhang, followed by ligation with one or moreadapter oligonucleotides comprising an overhang complementary to thepredictable overhang on a polynucleotide fragment. In another example,cleavage by an enzyme that leaves a predictable blunt end can befollowed by ligation of blunt-ended polynucleotide fragments to adapteroligonucleotides comprising a blunt end. In some embodiments, thefragmented polynucleotides are blunt-end polished (or “end repaired”) toproduce polynucleotide fragments having blunt ends, prior to beingjoined to adapters. The blunt-end polishing step may be accomplished byincubation with a suitable enzyme, such as a DNA polymerase that hasboth 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity and 5′ to 3′ polymerase activity, forexample T4 polymerase. In some embodiments, end repair is followed by orconcludes with addition of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more nucleotides, such as one or moreadenine (“A tailing”), one or more thymine, one or more guanine, or oneor more cytosine, to produce an overhang. Polynucleotide fragmentshaving an overhang can be joined to one or more adapter oligonucleotideshaving a complementary overhang, such as in a ligation reaction. Forexample, a single adenine can be added to the 3′ ends of end repairedpolynucleotide fragments using a template independent polymerase,followed by ligation to one or more adapters each having an overhangingthymine at a 3′ end. In some embodiments, adapter oligonucleotides canbe joined to blunt end double-stranded DNA fragment molecules which havebeen modified by extension of the 3′ end with one or more nucleotidesfollowed by 5′ phosphorylation. In some cases, extension of the 3′ endmay be performed with a polymerase such as for example Klenow polymeraseor any other suitable polymerases known in the art, or by use of aterminal deoxynucleotide transferase, in the presence of one or moredNTPs in a suitable buffer containing magnesium. In some embodiments,target polynucleotides having blunt ends are joined to one or moreadapters comprising a blunt end. Phosphorylation of 5′ ends offragmented polynucleotides may be performed for example with T4polynucleotide kinase in a suitable buffer containing ATP and magnesium.The fragmented polynucleotides may optionally be treated todephosphorylate 5′ ends or 3′ ends, for example, by using enzymes knownin the art, such as phosphatases.

In some embodiments, fragmentation is followed by ligation of adapteroligonucleotides to the fragmented polynucleotides. An adapteroligonucleotide includes any oligonucleotide having a sequence, at leasta portion of which is known, that can be joined to a targetpolynucleotide. Adapter oligonucleotides can comprise DNA, RNA,nucleotide analogues, non-canonical nucleotides, labeled nucleotides,modified nucleotides, or combinations thereof. Adapter oligonucleotidescan be single-stranded, double-stranded, or partial duplex. In general,a partial-duplex adapter comprises one or more single-stranded regionsand one or more double-stranded regions. Double-stranded adapters cancomprise two separate oligonucleotides hybridized to one another (alsoreferred to as an “oligonucleotide duplex”), and hybridization may leaveone or more blunt ends, one or more 3′ overhangs, one or more 5′overhangs, one or more bulges resulting from mismatched and/or unpairednucleotides, or any combination of these. In some embodiments, asingle-stranded adapter comprises two or more sequences that are able tohybridize with one another. When two such hybridizable sequences arecontained in a single-stranded adapter, hybridization yields a hairpinstructure (hairpin adapter). When two hybridized regions of an adapterare separated from one another by a non-hybridized region, a “bubble”structure results. Adapters comprising a bubble structure can consist ofa single adapter oligonucleotide comprising internal hybridizations, ormay comprise two or more adapter oligonucleotides hybridized to oneanother. Internal sequence hybridization, such as between twohybridizable sequences in an adapter, can produce a double-strandedstructure in a single-stranded adapter oligonucleotide. Adapters ofdifferent kinds can be used in combination, such as a hairpin adapterand a double-stranded adapter, or adapters of different sequences.Different adapters can be joined to target polynucleotides in sequentialreactions or simultaneously. In some embodiments, identical adapters areadded to both ends of a target polynucleotide. For example, first andsecond adapters can be added to the same reaction. Adapters can bemanipulated prior to combining with target polynucleotides. For example,terminal phosphates can be added or removed.

In some embodiments, an adapter is a mismatched adapter formed byannealing two partially complementary polynucleotide strands so as toprovide, when the two strands are annealed, at least one double-strandedregion and at least one unmatched region. The “double-stranded region”of the adapter is a short double-stranded region, typically comprising 5or more consecutive base pairs, formed by annealing of the two partiallycomplementary polynucleotide strands. This term simply refers to adouble-stranded region of nucleic acid in which the two strands areannealed and does not imply any particular structural conformation. Insome embodiments, the double-stranded region is about, less than about,or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or more nucleotides in length.Generally it is advantageous for the double-stranded region of amismatched adapter to be as short as possible without loss of function.By “function” in this context is meant that the double-stranded regionform a stable duplex under standard reaction conditions for anenzyme-catalyzed nucleic acid ligation reaction, which conditions areknown to those skilled in the art (e.g. incubation at a temperature inthe range of from 4° C. to 25° C. in a ligation buffer appropriate forthe enzyme), such that the two strands forming the adapter remainpartially annealed during ligation of the adapter to a target molecule.It is not absolutely necessary for the double-stranded region to bestable under the conditions typically used in the annealing steps ofprimer extension or PCR reactions. Typically, the double-stranded regionis adjacent to the “ligatable” end of the adapter, i.e. the end that isjoined to a target polynucleotide in a ligation reaction. The ligatableend of the adapter may be blunt or, in other embodiments, short 5′ or 3′overhangs of one or more nucleotides may be present tofacilitate/promote ligation. The 5′ terminal nucleotide at the ligatableend of the adapter is typically phosphorylated to enable phosphodiesterlinkage to a 3′ hydroxyl group on a sample polynucleotide. The term“unmatched region” refers to a region of the adapter wherein thesequences of the two polynucleotide strands forming the adapter exhibita degree of non-complementarity such that the two strands are notcapable of annealing to each other under standard annealing conditionsfor a primer extension or PCR reaction. The two strands in the unmatchedregion may exhibit some degree of annealing under standard reactionconditions for an enzyme-catalyzed ligation reaction, provided that thetwo strands revert to single stranded form under annealing conditions.

Adapter oligonucleotides can contain one or more of a variety ofsequence elements, including but not limited to, one or moreamplification primer annealing sequences or complements thereof, one ormore sequencing primer annealing sequences or complements thereof, oneor more barcode sequences, one or more common sequences shared amongmultiple different adapters or subsets of different adapters, one ormore restriction enzyme recognition sites, one or more overhangscomplementary to one or more target polynucleotide overhangs, one ormore probe binding sites (e.g. for attachment to a sequencing platform,such as a flow cell for massive parallel sequencing, such as anapparatus as described herein, or flow cells as developed by Illumina,Inc.), one or more random or near-random sequences (e.g. one or morenucleotides selected at random from a set of two or more differentnucleotides at one or more positions, with each of the differentnucleotides selected at one or more positions represented in a pool ofadapters comprising the random sequence), and combinations thereof. Twoor more sequence elements can be non-adjacent to one another (e.g.separated by one or more nucleotides), adjacent to one another,partially overlapping, or completely overlapping. For example, anamplification primer annealing sequence can also serve as a sequencingprimer annealing sequence. Sequence elements can be located at or nearthe 3′ end, at or near the 5′ end, or in the interior of the adapteroligonucleotide. When an adapter oligonucleotide is capable of formingsecondary structure, such as a hairpin, sequence elements can be locatedpartially or completely outside the secondary structure, partially orcompletely inside the secondary structure, or in between sequencesparticipating in the secondary structure. A sequence element may be ofany suitable length, such as about, less than about, or more than about3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or morenucleotides in length. Adapter oligonucleotides can have any suitablelength, at least sufficient to accommodate the one or more sequenceelements of which they are comprised. In some embodiments, adapters areabout, less than about, or more than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 200, or more nucleotides inlength

In some embodiments, the adapter oligonucleotides joined to fragmentedpolynucleotides from one sample comprise one or more sequences common toall adapter oligonucleotides and a barcode that is unique to theadapters joined to polynucleotides of that particular sample, such thatthe barcode sequence can be used to distinguish polynucleotidesoriginating from one sample or adapter joining reaction frompolynucleotides originating from another sample or adapter joiningreaction. In some embodiments, an adapter oligonucleotide comprises a 5′overhang, a 3′ overhang, or both that is complementary to one or moretarget polynucleotide overhangs. Complementary overhangs can be one ormore nucleotides in length, including but not limited to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more nucleotides in length.Complementary overhangs may comprise a fixed sequence. Complementaryoverhangs of an adapter oligonucleotide may comprise a random sequenceof one or more nucleotides, such that one or more nucleotides areselected at random from a set of two or more different nucleotides atone or more positions, with each of the different nucleotides selectedat one or more positions represented in a pool of adapters withcomplementary overhangs comprising the random sequence. In someembodiments, an adapter overhang is complementary to a targetpolynucleotide overhang produced by restriction endonuclease digestion.In some embodiments, an adapter overhang consists of an adenine or athymine

In some embodiments, adapter oligonucleotides comprise one strandcomprising the sequence element sequence D. In some embodiments, adapteroligonucleotides comprise sequence D hybridized to complementarysequence D′, where sequence D′ is on the same or different strand assequence D. In some embodiments, the 3′ end of a target polynucleotideis extended along an adapter oligonucleotide to generate complementarysequence D′. In a preferred embodiment, fragmented polynucleotides andadapter oligonucleotides are combined and treated (e.g. by ligation andoptionally by fragment extension) to produce double-stranded, adaptedpolynucleotides comprising fragmented polynucleotide sequence joined toadapter oligonucleotide sequences at both ends, where both ends of theadapted polynucleotides comprise sequence D hybridized to sequence D′.In some embodiments, the amount of fragmented polynucleotides subjectedto adapter joining is about, less than about, or more than about 50 ng,100 ng, 200 ng, 300 ng, 400 ng, 500 ng, 600 ng, 700 ng, 800 ng, 900 ng,1000 ng, 1500 ng, 2000 ng, 2500 ng, 5000 ng, 10 μg, or more (e.g. athreshold amount). In some embodiments, the amount of fragmentedpolynucleotides is determined before proceeding with adapter joining,where adapter joining is not performed if the amount is below athreshold amount.

The terms “joining” and “ligation” as used herein, with respect to twopolynucleotides, such as an adapter oligonucleotide and a samplepolynucleotide, refers to the covalent attachment of two separatepolynucleotides to produce a single larger polynucleotide with acontiguous backbone. Methods for joining two polynucleotides are knownin the art, and include without limitation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic(e.g. chemical) methods. Examples of ligation reactions that arenon-enzymatic include the non-enzymatic ligation techniques described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,780,613 and 5,476,930, which are herein incorporated byreference. In some embodiments, an adapter oligonucleotide is joined toa fragmented polynucleotide by a ligase, for example a DNA ligase or RNAligase. Multiple ligases, each having characterized reaction conditions,are known in the art, and include, without limitation NAD⁺-dependentligases including tRNA ligase, Taq DNA ligase, Thermus filiformis DNAligase, Escherichia coli DNA ligase, Tth DNA ligase, Thermus scotoductusDNA ligase (I and II), thermostable ligase, Ampligase thermostable DNAligase, VanC-type ligase, 9° N DNA Ligase, Tsp DNA ligase, and novelligases discovered by bioprospecting; ATP-dependent ligases including T4RNA ligase, T4 DNA ligase, T3 DNA ligase, T7 DNA ligase, Pfu DNA ligase,DNA ligase 1, DNA ligase III, DNA ligase IV, and novel ligasesdiscovered by bioprospecting; and wild-type, mutant isoforms, andgenetically engineered variants thereof. Ligation can be betweenpolynucleotides having hybridizable sequences, such as complementaryoverhangs. Ligation can also be between two blunt ends. Generally, a 5′phosphate is utilized in a ligation reaction. The 5′ phosphate can beprovided by the fragmented polynucleotide, the adapter oligonucleotide,or both. 5′ phosphates can be added to or removed from polynucleotidesto be joined, as needed. Methods for the addition or removal of 5′phosphates are known in the art, and include without limitationenzymatic and chemical processes. Enzymes useful in the addition and/orremoval of 5′ phosphates include kinases, phosphatases, and polymerases.In some embodiments, both of the two ends joined in a ligation reaction(e.g. an adapter end and a fragmented polynucleotide end) provide a 5′phosphate, such that two covalent linkages are made in joining the twoends, at one or both ends of a fragmented polynucleotide. In someembodiments, 3′ phosphates are removed prior to ligation. In someembodiments, an adapter oligonucleotide is added to both ends of afragmented polynucleotide, wherein one or both strands at each end arejoined to one or more adapter oligonucleotides. In some embodiments,separate ligation reactions are carried out for different samples usinga different adapter oligonucleotide comprising at least one differentbarcode sequence for each sample, such that no barcode sequence isjoined to the target polynucleotides of more than one sample to beanalyzed in parallel.

Non-limiting examples of adapter oligonucleotides include thedouble-stranded adapter formed by hybridizingCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACAGATGTGTATAAGAGACAGT (SEQ ID NO: 17) toGTGAGTCGTCGTGCTGCTAGTGTCTACACATATTCTCTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 18). Additionalnon-limiting examples of adapter oligonucleotides are described inUS20110319290 and US20070128624, which are incorporated herein byreference.

In some embodiments, adapted polynucleotides are subjected to anamplification reaction that amplifies target polynucleotides in thesample. In some embodiments, amplification uses primers comprisingsequence C, sequence D, and a barcode associated with the sample,wherein sequence D is positioned at the 3′ end of the amplificationprimers. Amplification primers may be of any suitable length, such asabout, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, or more nucleotides, anyportion or all of which may be complementary to the corresponding targetsequence to which the primer hybridizes (e.g. about, less than about, ormore than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or morenucleotides). “Amplification” refers to any process by which the copynumber of a target sequence is increased. Methods for primer-directedamplification of target polynucleotides are known in the art, andinclude without limitation, methods based on the polymerase chainreaction (PCR). Conditions favorable to the amplification of targetsequences by PCR are known in the art, can be optimized at a variety ofsteps in the process, and depend on characteristics of elements in thereaction, such as target type, target concentration, sequence length tobe amplified, sequence of the target and/or one or more primers, primerlength, primer concentration, polymerase used, reaction volume, ratio ofone or more elements to one or more other elements, and others, some orall of which can be altered. In general, PCR involves the steps ofdenaturation of the target to be amplified (if double stranded),hybridization of one or more primers to the target, and extension of theprimers by a DNA polymerase, with the steps repeated (or “cycled”) inorder to amplify the target sequence. Steps in this process can beoptimized for various outcomes, such as to enhance yield, decrease theformation of spurious products, and/or increase or decrease specificityof primer annealing. Methods of optimization are well known in the artand include adjustments to the type or amount of elements in theamplification reaction and/or to the conditions of a given step in theprocess, such as temperature at a particular step, duration of aparticular step, and/or number of cycles. In some embodiments, anamplification reaction comprises at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 50,or more cycles. In some embodiments, an amplification reaction comprisesno more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 50, or more cycles. Cycles cancontain any number of steps, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ormore steps. Steps can comprise any temperature or gradient oftemperatures, suitable for achieving the purpose of the given step,including but not limited to, strand denaturation, primer annealing, andprimer extension. Steps can be of any duration, including but notlimited to about, less than about, or more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 180, 240, 300,360, 420, 480, 540, 600, or more seconds, including indefinitely untilmanually interrupted. Cycles of any number comprising different stepscan be combined in any order.

In some embodiments, amplification comprises hybridization betweensequence D at the 3′ end of an amplification primer and sequence D′ ofan adapted polynucleotide, extension of the amplification primer alongthe adapted polynucleotide to produce a primer extension productcomprising sequence D derived from the amplification primer and sequenceD′ produced during primer extension. In some embodiments, theamplification process is repeated one or more times by denaturing theprimer extension product from a template polynucleotide, and repeatingthe process using the primer extension product as template for furtherprimer extension reactions. In some embodiments, the first cycle ofprimer extension is repeated using the same primer as the primer used inthe first primer extension reaction, such as for about, less than about,or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 50, or more cycles. Insome embodiments, one or more primer extensions by the amplificationprimer is followed by one or more amplification cycles using a secondamplification primer having a 3′ end comprising a sequence complementaryto a sequence added to the adapted polynucleotides by amplification withthe first amplification primer (e.g. complementary to the complement ofsequence C, or a portion thereof). In some embodiments, the secondamplification primer comprises sequence C, or a portion thereof, at the3′ end. A non-limiting example of a second amplification primer includesCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAG (SEQ ID NO: 19). In some embodiments,amplification by the second amplification primer comprises about, lessthan about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 50, or morecycles. In some embodiments, the amount of adapted polynucleotidessubjected to amplification is about, less than about, or more than about50 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 300 ng, 400 ng, 500 ng, 600 ng, 700 ng, 800 ng,900 ng, 1000 ng, 1500 ng, 2000 ng, 2500 ng, 5000 ng, 10 μg, or more(e.g. a threshold amount). In some embodiments, the amount of adaptedpolynucleotides is determined before proceeding with amplification,where amplification is not performed if the amount is below a thresholdamount.

In some embodiments, the amplification primer comprises a barcode. Asused herein, the term “barcode” refers to a known nucleic acid sequencethat allows some feature of a polynucleotide with which the barcode isassociated to be identified. In some embodiments, the feature of thepolynucleotide to be identified is the sample from which thepolynucleotide is derived. In some embodiments, barcodes are about or atleast about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or morenucleotides in length. In some embodiments, barcodes are shorter than10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments,barcodes associated with some polynucleotides are of different lengthsthan barcodes associated with other polynucleotides. In general,barcodes are of sufficient length and comprise sequences that aresufficiently different to allow the identification of samples based onbarcodes with which they are associated. In some embodiments, a barcode,and the sample source with which it is associated, can be identifiedaccurately after the mutation, insertion, or deletion of one or morenucleotides in the barcode sequence, such as the mutation, insertion, ordeletion of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides. In someembodiments, each barcode in a plurality of barcodes differ from everyother barcode in the plurality at at least three nucleotide positions,such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotide positions.A plurality of barcodes may be represented in a pool of samples, eachsample comprising polynucleotides comprising one or more barcodes thatdiffer from the barcodes contained in the polynucleotides derived fromthe other samples in the pool. Samples of polynucleotides comprising oneor more barcodes can be pooled based on the barcode sequences to whichthey are joined, such that all four of the nucleotide bases A, G, C, andT are approximately evenly represented at one or more positions alongeach barcode in the pool (such as at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or morepositions, or all positions of the barcode). In some embodiments, themethods of the invention further comprise identifying the sample fromwhich a target polynucleotide is derived based on a barcode sequence towhich the target polynucleotide is joined. In general, a barcodecomprises a nucleic acid sequence that when joined to a targetpolynucleotide serves as an identifier of the sample from which thetarget polynucleotide was derived.

In some embodiments, separate amplification reactions are carried outfor separate samples using amplification primers comprising at least onedifferent barcode sequence for each sample, such that no barcodesequence is joined to the target polynucleotides of more than one samplein a pool of two or more samples. In some embodiments, amplifiedpolynucleotides derived from different samples and comprising differentbarcodes are pooled before proceeding with subsequent manipulation ofthe polynucleotides (such as before amplification and/or sequencing on asolid support). Pools can comprise any fraction of the total constituentamplification reactions, including whole reaction volumes. Samples canbe pooled evenly or unevenly. In some embodiments, targetpolynucleotides are pooled based on the barcodes to which they arejoined. Pools may comprise polynucleotides derived from about, less thanabout, or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, or more different samples. Samplescan be pooled in multiples of four in order to represent all four of thenucleotide bases A, G, C, and T at one or more positions along thebarcode evenly, for example 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 96, 128, 192, 256, 384, and so on. Non-limitingexamples of barcodes include AGGTCA, CAGCAG, ACTGCT, TAACGG, GGATTA,AACCTG, GCCGTT, CGTTGA, GTAACC, CTTAAC, TGCTAA, GATCCG, CCAGGT, TTCAGC,ATGATC, and TCGGAT. In some embodiments, the barcode is positionedbetween sequence D and sequence C of an amplification primer, or aftersequence C and sequence D in a 5′ to 3′ direction (“downstream”). Insome embodiments, the amplification primer comprises or consists of thesequence CGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAG CACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC (SEQ IDNO: 21), where each “X” represents zero, one, or more nucleotides of abarcode sequence.

Non-limiting examples of amplification primers are provided in Table 1:

TABLE 1 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGAGGTCACACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 1 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGCAGCAGCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 2 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGACTGCTCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 3 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGTAACGGCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 4 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGGGATTACACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 5 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGAACCTGCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 6 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGGCCGTTCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 7 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGCGTTGACACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 8 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGGTAACCCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 9 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGCTTAACCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 10SEQ ID CGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGTGCTAACACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACNO: 11 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGGATCCGCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 12SEQ ID CGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGCCAGGTCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACNO: 13 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGTTCAGCCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 14SEQ ID CGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGATGATCCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACNO: 15 SEQ IDCGAGATCTACACGCCTCCCTCGCGCCATCAGTCGGATCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCAC NO: 16

In some embodiments, target polynucleotides are hybridized to aplurality of oligonucleotides that are attached to a solid support, suchas any apparatus described herein. Hybridization may be before or afterone or more sample processing steps, such as adapter joining andamplification. In preferred embodiments, target polynucleotides arehybridized to oligonucleotides on a solid support after both adapterjoining and one or more amplification reactions. Oligonucleotides on thesolid support may hybridize to random polynucleotide sequences, specificsequences common to multiple different target polynucleotides (e.g. oneor more sequences derived from an adapter oligonucleotide, such assequences D, D′, or a portion thereof; one or more sequences derivedfrom an amplification primer, such as sequences C, C′, or a portionthereof; or combinations of these), sequences specific to differenttarget polynucleotides (such as represented by sequence B as describedherein), or combinations of these. In some embodiments, the solidsupport comprises a plurality of different first oligonucleotidescomprising sequence A and sequence B, wherein sequence A is common amongall first oligonucleotides; and further wherein sequence B is differentfor each different first oligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end of each firstoligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the plurality of firstoligonucleotides comprises about, less than about, or more than about 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500,5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more different oligonucleotides,each comprising a different sequence B. In some embodiments, sequence Bof one or more of the plurality of first oligonucleotides comprises asequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shownin FIG. 4 (e.g. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 different oligonucleotideseach with a different sequence from FIG. 4). In some embodiments,sequence B or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizescomprises a causal genetic variant, as described herein. In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of a causal genetic variant, asdescribed herein. Causal genetic variants are typically locateddownstream of a first oligonucleotide, such that at least a portion ofthe causal genetic variant serves as template for extension of a firstoligonucleotide. The solid support may further comprise a plurality ofsecond oligonucleotides comprising sequence A at the 3′ end of eachsecond oligonucleotide, and a plurality of third oligonucleotidescomprising sequence C at the 3′ end of each third oligonucleotide, asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises a non-subject sequence. In some embodiments,sequence B or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizes iswithin about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 500or more nucleotides of a non-subject sequence. In general, a non-subjectsequence corresponds to a polynucleotide derived from an organism otherthan the individual being tested or from whom a sample is taken, such asDNA or RNA from bacteria, archaea, viruses, protists, fungi, or otherorganism. Non-subject sequence can also include nucleic acids from afetus, such as cell-free nucleic acid (also referred to as extracellularnucleic acid) from a fetus. A non-subject sequence may be indicative ofthe identity of an organism or class of organisms, and may further beindicative of a disease state, such as infection. An example ofnon-subject sequences useful in identifying an organism include, withoutlimitation, rRNA sequences, such as 16s rRNA sequences (see e.g.WO2010151842). In some embodiments, non-subject sequences are analyzedinstead of, or separately from causal genetic variants. In someembodiments, causal genetic variants and non-subject sequences areanalyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g. using a mixtureof first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B that specificallyhybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causal genetic variant,and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizes to a sequencecomprising or near a non-subject sequence) and/or in the same report.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises an ancestry informative marker (AIM). In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of an AIM. An AIM may be used toclassify a person as belonging to or not belonging to one or morepopulations, such as a population that is at increased risk for one ofthe causal genetic variants. For example, an AIM can be diagnostic for apopulation in which a trait is at increased prevalence. In certaininstances the AIM may distinguish between populations with finergranularity, for example, between sub-continental groups or relatedethnic groups. In some embodiments, AIMs are analyzed instead of, orseparately from causal genetic variants and/or non-subject sequences. Insome embodiments, AIMs, causal genetic variants, and/or non-subjectsequences are analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g.using a mixture of first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near an AIM) and/or in the same report.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing bridgeamplification on the solid support. In general, bridge amplificationuses repeated steps of annealing of primers to templates, primerextension, and separation of extended primers from templates. Thesesteps can generally be performed using reagents and conditions known tothose skilled in PCR (or reverse transcriptase plus PCR) techniques.Thus a nucleic acid polymerase can be used together with a supply ofnucleoside triphosphate molecules (or other molecules that function asprecursors of nucleotides present in DNA/RNA, such as modifiednucleoside triphosphates) to extend primers in the presence of asuitable template. Excess deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates aredesirably provided. Preferred deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates areabbreviated; dTTP (deoxythymidine nucleoside triphosphate), dATP(deoxyadenosine nucleoside triphosphate), dCTP (deoxycytosine nucleosidetriphosphate) and dGTP (deoxyguanosine nucleoside triphosphate).Preferred ribonucleoside triphosphates are UTP, ATP, CTP and GTP.However, alternatives are possible. These may be naturally ornon-naturally occurring. A buffer of the type generally used in PCRreactions may also be provided. A nucleic acid polymerase used toincorporate nucleotides during primer extension is preferably stableunder the reaction conditions utilized in order that it can be usedseveral times. Thus, where heating is used to separate a newlysynthesized nucleic acid strand from its template, the nucleic acidpolymerase is preferably heat stable at the temperature used. Such heatstable polymerases are known to those skilled in the art. They areobtainable from thermophilic micro-organisms, and include the DNAdependent DNA polymerase known as Taq polymerase and also thermostablederivatives thereof.

Typically, annealing of a primer to its template takes place at atemperature of 25 to 90° C. A temperature in this range will alsotypically be used during primer extension, and may be the same as ordifferent from the temperature used during annealing and/ordenaturation. Once sufficient time has elapsed to allow annealing andalso to allow a desired degree of primer extension to occur, thetemperature can be increased, if desired, to allow strand separation. Atthis stage the temperature will typically be increased to a temperatureof 60 to 100° C. High temperatures can also be used to reducenon-specific priming problems prior to annealing, and/or to control thetiming of amplification initiation, e.g. in order to synchronizeamplification initiation for a number of samples. Alternatively, thestrands maybe separated by treatment with a solution of low salt andhigh pH (>12) or by using a chaotropic salt (e.g. guanidiniumhydrochloride) or by an organic solvent (e.g. formamide).

Following strand separation (e.g. by heating), a washing step may beperformed. The washing step may be omitted between initial rounds ofannealing, primer extension and strand separation, such as if it isdesired to maintain the same templates in the vicinity of immobilizedprimers. This allows templates to be used several times to initiatecolony formation. The size of colonies produced by amplification on thesolid support can be controlled, e.g. by controlling the number ofcycles of annealing, primer extension and strand separation that occur.Other factors which affect the size of colonies can also be controlled.These include the number and arrangement on a surface of immobilizedprimers, the conformation of a support onto which the primers areimmobilized, the length and stiffness of template and/or primermolecules, temperature, and the ionic strength and viscosity of a fluidin which the above-mentioned cycles can be performed.

A non-limiting example of an amplification process in accordance withthe methods of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and describedbelow. First, a first oligonucleotide attached to the solid support andcomprising sequence B at its 3′ end hybridizes to a complementary targetsequence B′, such as a sequence unique to a specific targetpolynucleotide in a plurality of different target polynucleotides (e.g.a particular genomic DNA sequence). In this way, sequence B serves as aprobe. The target polynucleotide in FIG. 1 comprises sequences derivedfrom adapter oligonucleotides (e.g. sequences D and D′) and fromamplification primers (e.g. C and C′). Extension of the firstoligonucleotide produces a first extension product attached to the solidsupport, the first extension product comprising, from 5′ to 3′,sequences A, B, C′, and D′, where sequence C′ is complementary tosequence C and sequence D′ is complementary to sequence D. The firstextension product is then separated from the target polynucleotidetemplate (e.g. by heat or chemical denaturation). Sequence C′ of thefirst extension product then hybridizes to one of a plurality of thirdoligonucleotides attached to the solid support, the thirdoligonucleotide comprising sequence C at its 3′ end. Extension of thethird oligonucleotide produces a second extension product attached tothe solid support, the second extension product comprising, from 5′ to3′, sequences C, D, B′ and A′, where sequence B′ is complementary tosequence B and sequence A′ is complementary to sequence A. The twoextension products form a double-stranded polynucleotide “bridge,” withone strand at both ends attached to the solid support. The first andsecond extension products are then denatured, and subsequencehybridizations between the extension products and other oligonucleotidesfollowed by extension replicate the first and second extension products.For example, each first extension product may hybridize to a furtherthird oligonucleotide to produce additional copies of the secondextension product. In addition, a second extension product may hybridizeto one of a plurality of second oligonucleotides attached to the solidsupport, the second oligonucleotide comprising sequence A at its 3′ end.Extension of the second oligonucleotide produces an extension productcomprising the sequence of a first extension product. Successive roundsof extension along extension products radiates outward from an initialfirst extension product to produce a cluster or “colony” of firstextension products and their complementary second extension productsderived from a single target polynucleotide. This process may bemodified to accommodate oligonucleotides comprising different sequencesor sequence arrangements, different target polynucleotides orcombinations of target polynucleotides, types of solid supports, andother considerations depending on a particular bridge amplificationreaction. In general, this process provides for amplification on a solidsupport of specific target polynucleotides from sample polynucleotidescomprising target polynucleotides and non-target polynucleotides.Generally, target polynucleotides are selectively amplified whilenon-target polynucleotides in the sample are not amplified, or areamplified to a much lower degree, such as about or less than about10-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, 1000-fold, 2500-fold, 5000-fold,10000-fold, 25000-fold, 50000-fold, 100000-fold, 1000000-fold, or morelower than one or more target polynucleotides.

In some embodiments, the amount of amplified polynucleotides from aprevious amplification step that is subjected to bridge amplification isabout, less than about, or more than about 50 ng, 100 ng, 500 ng, 1 μg,2 μg, 3 μg, 4 μg, 5 μg, 6 μg, 7 μg, 8 μg, 9 μg, 10 μpg, 12 μg, 13 μg, 14μg, 15 μg, 20 μg, 25 μg, 26 μg, 27 μg, 28 μg, 29 μg, 30 μg, 40 μg, 50μg, or more (e.g. a threshold amount). In some embodiments, the amountof amplified polynucleotides from a previous amplification step isdetermined before proceeding with bridge amplification, where bridgeamplification is not performed if the amount is below a thresholdamount.

In some embodiments, bridge amplification is followed by sequencing aplurality of oligonucleotides attached to the solid support. Generalmethods for sequencing polynucleotides attached to a solid support,including reagents and reaction conditions, are known in the art. Insome embodiments, sequencing comprises or consists of single-endsequencing. In some embodiments, sequencing comprises or consists ofpaired-end sequencing. Sequencing can be carried out using any suitablesequencing technique, wherein nucleotides are added successively to afree 3′ hydroxyl group, resulting in synthesis of a polynucleotide chainin the 5′ to 3′ direction. The identity of the nucleotide added ispreferably determined after each nucleotide addition. Sequencingtechniques using sequencing by ligation, wherein not every contiguousbase is sequenced, and techniques such as massively parallel signaturesequencing (MPSS) where bases are removed from, rather than added to thestrands on the surface are also within the scope of the invention, asare techniques using detection of pyrophosphate release(pyrosequencing). Such pyrosequencing based techniques are particularlyapplicable to sequencing arrays of beads where the beads have beenamplified in an emulsion such that a single template from the librarymolecule is amplified on each bead.

One particular sequencing method which can be used in the methods of theinvention relies on the use of modified nucleotides that can act asreversible chain terminators. Such reversible chain terminators compriseremovable 3′ blocking groups, for example as described in WO04018497 andU.S. Pat. No. 7,057,026. Once such a modified nucleotide has beenincorporated into the growing polynucleotide chain complementary to theregion of the template being sequenced there is no free 3′-OH groupavailable to direct further sequence extension and therefore thepolymerase cannot add further nucleotides. Once the identity of the baseincorporated into the growing chain has been determined, the 3′ blockmay be removed to allow addition of the next successive nucleotide. Byordering the products derived using these modified nucleotides it ispossible to deduce the DNA sequence of the DNA template. Such reactionscan be done in a single experiment if each of the modified nucleotideshas attached thereto a different label, known to correspond to theparticular base, to facilitate discrimination between the bases added ateach incorporation step. Non-limiting examples of suitable labels aredescribed in WO/2007/135368, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, a separatereaction may be carried out containing each of the modified nucleotidesadded individually.

The modified nucleotides may carry a label to facilitate theirdetection. In a particular embodiment, the label is a fluorescent label.Each nucleotide type may carry a different fluorescent label. However,the detectable label need not be a fluorescent label. Any label can beused which allows the detection of the incorporation of the nucleotideinto the DNA sequence. One method for detecting fluorescently labelednucleotides comprises using laser light of a wavelength specific for thelabeled nucleotides, or the use of other suitable sources ofillumination. Fluorescence from the label on an incorporated nucleotidemay be detected by a CCD camera or other suitable detection means.Suitable detection means are described in WO/2007/123744, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, a first sequencing reaction proceeds from a 3′ endcreated by cleavage at a cleavage site contained in an oligonucleotideattached to the solid support, which oligonucleotide was extended duringbridge amplification. In some embodiments, the cleaved strand isseparated from its complementary strand before sequencing by extensionof the attached oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the attachedoligonucleotide having the newly freed 3′ end created by cleavage isextended using a polymerase having strand displacement activity, suchthat the cleaved strand is displaced as the new strand is extended. Insome embodiments extension of the attached oligonucleotide proceedsalong the full length of the template extension product from theamplification reaction, which in some embodiments includes extensionbeyond a last identified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the templateextension product is then cleaved at a cleavage site contained in anoligonucleotide attached to the solid support, and the oligonucleotideextended during the sequencing reaction is linearized, for produce afreed first sequencing extension product. The 5′ end of the firstsequencing product may then serve as a template for a second sequencingreaction, which can proceed by extension of a sequencing primer (such asa sequencing primer described herein) or by extension from the 3′ endcreated by cleavage at the cleavage site. In some embodiments, theaverage or median number of nucleotides identified along a templatepolynucleotide being sequenced is about, less than about, or more thanabout 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200,300, 400, 500, or more.

In some embodiments, sequencing comprises treating bridge amplificationproducts to remove substantially all or remove or displace at least aportion of one of the immobilized strands in the “bridge” structure inorder to generate a template that is at least partially single-stranded.The portion of the template which is single-stranded will thus beavailable for hybridization with a sequencing primer. The process ofremoving all or a portion of one immobilized strand in a bridgeddouble-stranded nucleic acid structure may be referred to herein as“linearization,” and is described in further detail in WO07010251, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

Bridged template structures may be linearized by cleavage of one or bothstrands with a restriction endonuclease or by cleavage of one strandwith a nicking endonuclease. Other methods of cleavage can be used as analternative to restriction enzymes or nicking enzymes, including but notlimited to chemical cleavage (e.g. cleavage of a diol linkage withperiodate), cleavage of abasic sites by cleavage with endonuclease (forexample “USER,” as supplied by NEB, part number M5505S), by exposure toheat or alkali, cleavage of ribonucleotides incorporated intoamplification products otherwise comprised of deoxyribonucleotides,photochemical cleavage or cleavage of a peptide linker. In someembodiments, a linearization step may be avoided, such as when thesolid-phase amplification reaction is performed with only oneamplification oligonucleotide covalently immobilized and anotheramplification oligonucleotide free in solution. Following the cleavagestep, regardless of the method used for cleavage, the product of thecleavage reaction may be subjected to denaturing conditions in order toremove the portion(s) of the cleaved strand(s) that are not attached tothe solid support. Suitable denaturing conditions, for example sodiumhydroxide solution, formamide solution, or heat, are known in the art,such as described in standard molecular biology protocols (Sambrook etal., 2001, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 3rd Ed, Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY;Current Protocols, eds Ausubel et al.). Denaturation results in theproduction of a sequencing template which is partially or substantiallysingle-stranded. A sequencing reaction may then be initiated byhybridization of a sequencing primer to the single-stranded portion ofthe template. Thus, the invention encompasses methods wherein thenucleic acid sequencing reaction comprises hybridizing a sequencingprimer to a single-stranded region of a linearized amplificationproduct, sequentially incorporating one or more nucleotides into apolynucleotide strand complementary to the region of amplified templatestrand to be sequenced, identifying the base present in one or more ofthe incorporated nucleotide(s) and thereby determining the sequence of aregion of the template strand.

In some embodiments, the sequencing primer comprises a sequencecomplementary to one or more sequences derived from an adapteroligonucleotide, an amplification primer, an oligonucleotide attached tothe solid support, or a combination of these. In some embodiments, thesequencing primer comprises sequence D, or a portion thereof. In someembodiments, a sequencing primer comprises sequence C, or a portionthereof. A sequencing primer can be of any suitable length, such asabout, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, or more nucleotides, anyportion or all of which may be complementary to the corresponding targetsequence to which the primer hybridizes (e.g. about, less than about, ormore than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or morenucleotides). In some embodiments, a sequencing primer comprises thesequence CACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACAGATGTGTATAAGAGACAG (SEQ ID NO: 20).

In general, extension of a sequencing primer produces a sequencingextension product. The number of nucleotides added to the sequencingextension product that are identified in the sequencing process maydepend on a number of factors, including template sequence, reactionconditions, reagents used, and other factors. In some embodiments, theaverage or median number of nucleotides identified along a growingsequencing primer is about, less than about, or more than about 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400,500, or more. In some embodiments, a sequencing primer is extended alongthe full length of the template primer extension product from theamplification reaction, which in some embodiments includes extensionbeyond a last identified nucleotide.

In some embodiments, the sequencing extension product is subjected todenaturing conditions in order to remove the sequencing extensionproduct from the attached template strand to which it is hybridized, inorder to make the template partially or completely single-stranded andavailable for hybridization with a second sequencing primer. The secondsequencing primer may be the same as or different from the firstsequencing primer. In some embodiments, the second sequencing primerhybridizes to a sequence located closer to the 5′ end of the targetnucleic acid than the sequence to which the first sequencing primerhybridizes. In some embodiments, the second sequencing primer hybridizesto a sequence located closer to the 3′ end of the target nucleic acidthan the sequence to which the first sequencing primer hybridizes. Insome embodiments, only one of the first and second sequencing primers isextended along a barcode sequence, thereby identifying the nucleotidesin the barcode sequence. In some embodiments, one sequencing primer(e.g. the first sequencing primer) hybridizes to a sequence located 5′from the barcode (such that extension of this sequencing primer does notgenerate sequence complementary to the barcode), and another sequencingprimer (e.g. the second sequencing primer) hybridizes to a sequencelocated 3′ from the barcode (such that extension of this sequencingprimer generates sequence complementary to the barcode). In someembodiments, the second sequencing primer comprises SEQ ID NO: 19.

The invention is not intended to be limited to use of the sequencingmethods outlined above, as essentially any sequencing methodology whichrelies on successive incorporation of nucleotides into a polynucleotidechain can be used. Suitable techniques include, for example, thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,597, US20090233802, US20120053074, andUS20110223601, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.In the cases where strand resynthesis is employed, both strands must beimmobilized to the surface in a way that allows subsequent release of aportion of the immobilized strand. This can be achieved through a numberof mechanisms as described in WO07010251, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, oneprimer can contain a uracil nucleotide, which means that the strand canbe cleaved at the uracil base using the enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase(UDG) which removes the nucleotide base, and endonuclease VIII thatexcises the abasic nucleotide. This enzyme combination is available asUSER™ from New England Biolabs (NEB part number M5505). The secondprimer may comprise an 8-oxoguanine nucleotide, which is then cleavableby the enzyme FPG (NEB part number M0240). This design of primersprovides complete control of which primer is cleaved at which point inthe process, and also where in the cluster the cleavage occurs. Theprimers may also be chemically modified, for example with a disulfide ordiol modification that allows chemical cleavage at specific locations.

In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for about, less thanabout, or more than about 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400,500, 750, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more differenttarget polynucleotides from a sample in a single reaction container(e.g. a channel in a flow cell). In some embodiments, sequencing dataare generated for a plurality of samples in parallel, such as about,less than about, or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1000, or moresamples. In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for aplurality of samples in a single reaction container (e.g. a channel in aflow cell), such as about, less than about, or more than about 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96,192, 384, 768, 1000, or more samples, and sequencing data aresubsequently grouped according to the sample from which the sequencedpolynucleotides originated. In a single reaction, sequencing data may begenerated for about or at least about 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸,4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰, or more target polynucleotides or clusters froma bridge amplification reaction, which may comprise sequencing data forabout, less than about, or more than about 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶,4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, or more target polynucleotides or clusters foreach sample in the reaction. In some embodiments, the presence, absence,or genotype of about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 25, 50,75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500,10000, 20000, 50000, or more causal genetic variants is determined for asample based on the sequencing data. The presence, absence, or genotypeof one or more causal genetic variants may be determined with anaccuracy of about or more than about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%,99.5%, 99.9% or higher.

In some embodiments, one or more, or all, of the steps in a method ofthe invention are automated, such as by use of one or more automateddevices. In general, automated devices are devices that are able tooperate without human direction—an automated system can perform afunction during a period of time after a human has finished taking anyaction to promote the function, e.g. by entering instructions into acomputer, after which the automated device performs one or more stepswithout further human operation. Software and programs, including codethat implements embodiments of the present invention, may be stored onsome type of data storage media, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, tape, flashdrive, or diskette, or other appropriate computer readable medium.Various embodiments of the present invention can also be implementedexclusively in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.For example, in one embodiment, rather than a conventional personalcomputer, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used. As known tothose skilled in the art, PLCs are frequently used in a variety ofprocess control applications where the expense of a general purposecomputer is unnecessary. PLCs may be configured in a known manner toexecute one or a variety of control programs, and are capable ofreceiving inputs from a user or another device and/or providing outputsto a user or another device, in a manner similar to that of a personalcomputer. Accordingly, although embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in terms of a general purpose computer, it should beappreciated that the use of a general purpose computer is exemplaryonly, as other configurations may be used.

In some embodiments, automation may comprise the use of one or moreliquid handlers and associated software. Several commercially availableliquid handling systems can be utilized to run the automation of theseprocesses (see for example liquid handlers from Perkin-Elmer, BeckmanCoulter, Caliper Life Sciences, Tecan, Eppendorf, Apricot Design,Velocity 11 as examples). In some embodiments, automated steps includeone or more of fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing (addition of adenineoverhang), adapter joining, PCR amplification, sample quantification(e.g. amount and/or purity of DNA), and sequencing. In some embodiments,hybridization of amplified polynucleotides to oligonucleotides attachedto a solid surface, extension along the amplified polynucleotides astemplates, and/or bridge amplification is automated (e.g. by use of anIllumina cBot). Non-limiting examples of devices for conducting bridgeamplification are described in WO2008002502. In some embodiments,sequencing is automated. A variety of automated sequencing machines arecommercially available, and include sequencers manufactured by LifeTechnologies (SOLiD platform, and pH-based detection), Roche (454platform), Illumina (e.g. flow cell based systems, such as GenomeAnalyzer, HiSeq, or MiSeq systems). Transfer between 2, 3, 4, 5, or moreautomated devices (e.g. between one or more of a liquid handler, bridgea amplification device, and a sequencing device) may be manual orautomated. In some embodiments, one or more steps in a method of theinvention (e.g. all steps or all automated steps) are completed in aboutor less than about 72, 48, 24, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,3, 2, 1, or fewer hours. In some embodiments, the time from samplereceipt, DNA extraction, fragmentation, adapter joining, amplification,or bridge amplification to production of sequencing data is about orless than about 72, 48, 24, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,2, 1, or fewer hours.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of enriching a pluralityof different target polynucleotides in a sample. In some embodiments,the method comprises: (a) joining an adapter oligonucleotide to each ofthe target polynucleotides, wherein the adapter oligonucleotidecomprises sequence Y; (b) hybridizing a plurality of differentoligonucleotide primers to the adapted target polynucleotides, whereineach oligonucleotide primer comprises sequence Z and sequence W; whereinsequence Z is common among all oligonucleotide primers; and furtherwherein sequence W is different for each different oligonucleotideprimer, is positioned at the 3′ end of each oligonucleotide primer, andis complementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant; (c) in anextension reaction, extending the oligonucleotide primers along theadapted target polynucleotides to produce extended primers comprisingsequence Z and sequence Y′, wherein sequence Y′ is complementary tosequence Y; and (d) exponentially amplifying the purified extensionproducts using a pair of amplification primers comprising (i) a firstamplification primer comprising sequence V and sequence Z, whereinsequence Z is positioned at the 3′ end of the first amplificationprimer; and (ii) a second amplification primer comprising sequence X andsequence Y, wherein sequence Y and is positioned at the 3′ end of thesecond amplification primer. In some embodiments, each oligonucleotideprimer comprises a first binding partner. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises, before step (d), exposing the extended primersto a solid surface comprising a second binding partner that binds to thefirst binding partner, thereby purifying the extended primers away fromone or more components of the extension reaction. In some embodiments,one or more of sequences V, W, X, Y, and Z are different sequences. Insome embodiments, sequence V and sequence X are the same. In someembodiments, sequence V and/or sequence X are not included in theirrespective primers. In some embodiments, one or more of sequences V, W,X, Y, and Z are about, less than about, or more than about 5%, 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more different from oneor more of the other of sequences V, W, X, Y, and Z (e.g. have less thanabout 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more sequenceidentity). In some embodiments, one or more of sequences V, W, X, Y, andZ comprise about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or more nucleotides each. In some embodiments,sequence V or sequence Z is equivalent to sequence A, sequence W isequivalent to sequence B, sequence X is equivalent to sequence C, and/orsequence Y is equivalent to sequence D, as described with respect toother aspects of the invention.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of enriching a pluralityof different target polynucleotides in a sample. In some embodiments,the method comprises: (a) hybridizing a plurality of differentoligonucleotide primers to the target polynucleotides, wherein eacholigonucleotide primer comprises sequence Z and sequence W; whereinsequence Z is common among all oligonucleotide primers; and furtherwherein sequence W is different for each different oligonucleotideprimer, is positioned at the 3′ end of each oligonucleotide primer, andis complementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant; (b) in anextension reaction, extending the oligonucleotide primers along thetarget polynucleotides to produce extended primers; (c) joining anadapter oligonucleotide to each extended primer, wherein the adapteroligonucleotide comprises sequence Y′, and further wherein sequence Y′is the complement of a sequence Y; and (d) exponentially amplifying thepurified extension products using a pair of amplification primerscomprising (i) a first amplification primer comprising sequence V andsequence Z, wherein sequence Z is positioned at the 3′ end of the firstamplification primer; and (ii) a second amplification primer comprisingsequence X and sequence Y, wherein sequence Y and is positioned at the3′ end of the second amplification primer. In some embodiments, eacholigonucleotide primer comprises a first binding partner. In someembodiments, the method further comprises, before step (c), exposing theextended primers to a solid surface comprising a second binding partnerthat binds to the first binding partner, thereby purifying the extendedprimers away from one or more components of the extension reaction. Insome embodiments, one or more of sequences V, W, X, Y, and Z aredifferent sequences. In some embodiments, sequence V and sequence X arethe same. In some embodiments, sequence V and/or sequence X are notincluded in their respective primers. In some embodiments, one or moreof sequences V, W, X, Y, and Z are about, less than about, or more thanabout 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or moredifferent from one or more of the other of sequences V, W, X, Y, and Z(e.g. have less than about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%,or more sequence identity). In some embodiments, one or more ofsequences V, W, X, Y, and Z comprise about, less than about, or morethan about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or more nucleotideseach. In some embodiments, sequence V or sequence Z is equivalent tosequence A, sequence W is equivalent to sequence B, sequence X isequivalent to sequence C, and/or sequence Y is equivalent to sequence D,as described with respect to other aspects of the invention.

Samples from which the target polynucleotides are derived can comprisemultiple samples from the same individual, samples from differentindividuals, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a samplecomprises a plurality of polynucleotides from a single individual. Insome embodiments, a sample comprises a plurality of polynucleotides fromtwo or more individuals. Examples of sources of sample polynucleotidesand methods for their purification are described herein, such as withregard to other aspects of the invention.

In some embodiments, target polynucleotides are fragmented into apopulation of fragmented polynucleotides of one or more specific sizerange(s). In some embodiments, the amount of sample polynucleotidessubjected to fragmentation is about, less than about, or more than about50 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 300 ng, 400 ng, 500 ng, 600 ng, 700 ng, 800 ng,900 ng, 1000 ng, 1500 ng, 2000 ng, 2500 ng, 5000 ng, 10 μg, or more. Insome embodiments, fragments are generated from about, less than about,or more than about 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000, 300000, 500000, ormore genome-equivalents of starting DNA. Fragmentation may beaccomplished by methods known in the art, including chemical, enzymatic,and mechanical fragmentation. In some embodiments, the fragments have anaverage or median length from about 10 to about 10,000 nucleotides. Insome embodiments, the fragments have an average or median length fromabout 50 to about 2,000 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragmentshave an average or median length of about, less than about, more thanabout, or between about 100-2500, 200-1000, 10-800, 10-500, 50-500,50-250, or 50-150 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the fragments havean average or median length of about, less than about, or more thanabout 200, 300, 500, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, or more nucleotides. Examplemethods of fragmentation and optional end repair (including optionalA-tailing) are described herein, such as with regard to other aspects ofthe invention. End repair may be performed at any step before joining ofadapter oligonucleotides, such as before or after extension ofoligonucleotide primers.

In some embodiments, fragmentation or oligonucleotide primer extensionis followed by ligation of adapter oligonucleotides to the fragmented orextended polynucleotides (see e.g. FIGS. 5 and 7). Examples of adapteroligonucleotides, and methods for their manipulation and joining totarget polynucleotides are described herein, such as with regard toother aspects of the invention. In some embodiments, adapteroligonucleotides comprise one strand comprising the sequence elementsequence Y. In some embodiments, adapter oligonucleotides comprise onestrand comprising the sequence element sequence Y′, which is thecomplement of sequence Y. In some embodiments, adapter oligonucleotidescomprise sequence Y hybridized to complementary sequence Y′, wheresequence Y′ is on the same or different strand as sequence Y. In someembodiments, the 3′ end of a target polynucleotide or extended primer isextended along an adapter oligonucleotide to generate sequence Y orsequence Y′. In some embodiments, fragmented polynucleotides and adapteroligonucleotides are combined and treated (e.g. by ligation andoptionally by fragment extension) to produce double-stranded, adaptedpolynucleotides comprising fragmented polynucleotide sequence joined toadapter oligonucleotide sequences at both ends, where both ends of theadapted polynucleotides comprise sequence Y hybridized to sequence Y′.In some embodiments, extended primers that are hybridized to targetpolynucleotides are combined and treated (e.g. by ligation andoptionally by 3′-end extension) to produce double-stranded, adaptedpolynucleotides comprising sequence Y hybridized to sequence Y′ at oneend. In some embodiments, the amount of fragmented polynucleotidessubjected to further manipulation (e.g. adapter joining oroligonucleotide primer extension) is about, less than about, or morethan about 50 ng, 100 ng, 200 ng, 300 ng, 400 ng, 500 ng, 600 ng, 700ng, 800 ng, 900 ng, 1000 ng, 1500 ng, 2000 ng, 2500 ng, 5000 ng, 10 μg,or more (e.g. a threshold amount). In some embodiments, the amount offragmented polynucleotides is determined before proceeding with furthermanipulation, where further manipulation is not performed if the amountis below a threshold amount.

In some embodiments, primer extension products comprising sequencescomplementary to target polynucleotide sequences are produced in anextension reaction. In general, an extension reaction comprisesextension of an oligonucleotide primer hybridized to a targetpolynucleotide. Oligonucleotide primers may be of any suitable length,such as about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, or morenucleotides, any portion or all of which may be complementary to thecorresponding target sequence to which the primer hybridizes (e.g.about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, or more nucleotides). Primer extension may comprise one ormore cycles of a PCR reaction, such as denaturation, primer annealing,and primer extension, which may be repeated any number of times with orwithout a reverse primer. For example, in the absence of a reverseprimer, multiple cycles may be used to linearly amplify one or moretarget polynucleotides by repeated extension of primers along thecorresponding targets, without using extended primers as templates forfurther amplification. Examples of oligonucleotides useful as primersand methods for their use in primer extension reactions (e.g.amplification) are provided herein, such as with regard to other aspectsof the invention. An illustration of a non-limiting example of anamplification method is provided in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, an oligonucleotide primer comprises sequence Z,which is common to each of a plurality of different oligonucleotideprimers in a reaction, and sequence W, which is different for eachdifferent oligonucleotide primer and is positioned at the 3′ end of eacholigonucleotide primer. In some embodiments, the plurality ofoligonucleotide primers comprises about, less than about, or more thanabout 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750,1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more differentoligonucleotides, each comprising a different sequence W. In someembodiments, sequence W of one or more of the plurality ofoligonucleotide primers comprises a sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shown in FIG. 4 (e.g. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50,75, or 100 different oligonucleotides each with a different sequencefrom FIG. 4). In some embodiments, sequence W or the target sequence towhich it specifically hybridizes comprises a causal genetic variant, asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, sequence W or the target sequenceto which it specifically hybridizes is within about, less than about, ormore than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of acausal genetic variant, as described herein. Causal genetic variants aretypically located downstream of an oligonucleotide primer, such that atleast a portion of the causal genetic variant serves as template forextension of an oligonucleotide primer. Typically, extension of anoligonucleotide primer along a target polynucleotide comprising sequenceY derived from an adapter oligonucleotide produces a primer extensionproduct comprising primer-derived sequences a the 5′ end and sequencescomplementary to adapter-derived sequences near the 3′ end (e.g.sequence Y′, the complement of Y).

In some embodiments, sequence W of one or more of the plurality ofoligonucleotide primers or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises a non-subject sequence. In some embodiments,sequence W or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizes iswithin about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 500or more nucleotides of a non-subject sequence. In general, a non-subjectsequence corresponds to a polynucleotide derived from an organism otherthan the individual being tested, such as DNA or RNA from bacteria,archaea, viruses, protists, fungi, or other organism. A non-subjectsequence may be indicative of the identity of an organism or class oforganisms, and may further be indicative of a disease state, such asinfection. An example of non-subject sequences useful in identifying anorganism include, without limitation, rRNA sequences, such as 16s rRNAsequences (see e.g. WO2010151842). In some embodiments, non-subjectsequences are analyzed instead of, or separately from causal geneticvariants. In some embodiments, causal genetic variants and non-subjectsequences are analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g.using a mixture of oligonucleotide primers, some with a sequence W thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence W that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near a non-subject sequence) and/or in thesame report.

In some embodiments, sequence W of one or more of the plurality ofoligonucleotide primers or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises an ancestry informative marker (AIM). In someembodiments, sequence W or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of an AIM. An AIM may be used toclassify a person as belonging to or not belonging to one or morepopulations, such as a population that is at increased risk for one ofthe causal genetic variants. For example, an AIM can be diagnostic for apopulation in which a trait is at increased prevalence. In certaininstances the AIM may distinguish between populations with finergranularity, for example, between sub-continental groups or relatedethnic groups. In some embodiments, AIMs are analyzed instead of, orseparately from causal genetic variants and/or non-subject sequences. Insome embodiments, AIMs, causal genetic variants, and/or non-subjectsequences are analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g.using a mixture of first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near an AIM) and/or in the same report.

In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide primers comprise a firstbinding partner, such as a member of a binding pair. In general,“binding partner” refers to one of a first and a second moiety, whereinthe first and the second moiety have a specific binding affinity foreach other. Suitable binding pairs for use in the invention include, butare not limited to, antigens/antibodies (for example,digoxigenin/anti-digoxigenin, dinitrophenyl (DNP)/anti-DNP,dansyl-X-anti-dansyl, Fluorescein/anti-fluorescein, luciferyellow/anti-lucifer yellow, and rhodamine anti-rhodamine); biotin/avidin(or biotin/streptavidin); calmodulin binding protein (CBP)/calmodulin;hormone/hormone receptor; lectin/carbohydrate; peptide/cell membranereceptor; protein A/antibody; hapten/antihapten; enzyme/cofactor; andenzyme/substrate. Other suitable binding pairs include polypeptides suchas the FLAG-peptide (Hopp et al., BioTechnology, 6:1204-1210 (1988));the KT3 epitope peptide (Martin et al., Science, 255:192-194 (1992));tubulin epitope peptide (Skinner et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:15163-15166(1991)); and the T7 gene 10 protein peptide tag (Lutz-Freyermuth et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87:6393-6397 (1990)) and the antibodies eachthereto. Further non-limiting examples of binding partners includeagonists and antagonists for cell membrane receptors, toxins and venoms,viral epitopes, hormones such as steroids, hormone receptors, peptides,enzymes and other catalytic polypeptides, enzyme substrates, cofactors,drugs including small organic molecule drugs, opiates, opiate receptors,lectins, sugars, saccharides including polysaccharides, proteins, andantibodies including monoclonal antibodies and synthetic antibodyfragments, cells, cell membranes and moieties therein including cellmembrane receptors, and organelles. In some embodiments, the firstbinding partner is a reactive moiety, and the second binding partner isa reactive surface that reacts with the reactive moiety, such asdescribed herein with respect to other aspects of the invention. In someembodiments, the oligonucleotide primers are attached to the solidsurface prior to initiating the extension reaction. Methods for theaddition of binding partners to oligonucleotides are known in the art,and include addition during (such as by using a modified nucleotidecomprising the binding partner) or after synthesis.

In some embodiments, extension of the oligonucleotide primers isfollowed by purification of extended primers on a solid surface. In someembodiments, adapter joining is followed by purification of extendedprimers on a solid surface. Typically, the solid surface comprises asecond binding partner, which is the second member of a binding pair andbinds to the first binding partner. In some embodiments, a solid surfacemay have a wide variety of forms, including membranes, slides, plates,micromachined chips, microparticles, beads, and the like. Solid surfacesmay comprise a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to,glass, plastic, silicon, alkanethiolate derivatized gold, cellulose, lowcross linked and high cross linked polystyrene, silica gel, polyamide,and the like, and can have various shapes and features (e.g., wells,indentations, channels, etc.). The surface can be hydrophilic or capableof being rendered hydrophilic and may comprise inorganic powders such assilica, magnesium sulfate, and alumina; natural polymeric materials,particularly cellulosic materials and materials derived from cellulose,such as fiber containing papers, e.g., filter paper, chromatographicpaper, etc.; synthetic or modified naturally occurring polymers, such asnitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, poly (vinyl chloride),polyacrylamide, cross linked dextran, agarose, polyacrylate,polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(4-methylbutene), polystyrene,polymethacrylate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), nylon, poly(vinylbutyrate), etc.; either used by themselves or in conjunction with othermaterials; glass available as Bioglass, ceramics, metals, and the like.Natural or synthetic assemblies such as liposomes, phospholipidvesicles, and cells can also be employed. The surface can have any oneof a number of shapes, such as strip, rod, particle, including bead, andthe like.

In some embodiments, the solid surface comprises a bead or plurality ofbeads. The beads may be of any convenient size and fabricated from anynumber of known materials. Example of such materials include:inorganics, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers. Specific examplesof these materials include: cellulose, cellulose derivatives, acrylicresins, glass, silica gels, polystyrene, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,co-polymers of vinyl and acrylamide, polystyrene cross-linked withdivinylbenzene or the like (as described, e.g, in Merrifield,Biochemistry 1964, 3, 1385-1390), polyacrylamides, latex gels,polystyrene, dextran, rubber, silicon, plastics, nitrocellulose, naturalsponges, silica gels, control pore glass, metals, cross-linked dextrans(e.g., Sephadex) agarose gel (Sepharose), and other solid phase supportsknown to those of skill in the art. The beads are generally about 2 toabout 100 μm in diameter, or about 5 to about 80 pm in diameter, in somecases, about 10 to about 40 μm in diameter. In some embodiments thebeads can be magnetic, paramagnetic, or otherwise responsive to amagnetic field. Having beads responsive to a magnetic field can beuseful for isolation and purification of the beads havingpolynucleotides attached thereto, such as by the application of amagnetic field and isolation of the beads (e.g. by removal of the beadsfrom solution, or removal of solution from the beads). Non-limitingexamples of beads responsive to a magnetic field include Dynabeads,manufactured by Life Technologies (Carlsbad, Calif.). Other methods toseparate beads can also be used. For example, the capture beads may belabeled with a fluorescent moiety which would make the nucleic acid-beadcomplex fluorescent. The target capture bead complex may be separated,for example, by flow cytometry or fluorescence cell sorter. Beads mayalso be separated by centrifugation. Isolation of polynucleotides byattachment to beads may further comprise the step of washing the beads,such as in a suitable wash buffer. Generally, purification of primerextension products comprises purification away from one or morecomponents of the primer extension reaction, such that the one or morecomponents from which the extension products are purified are reduced inamount, such as by 10-fold, 5-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, 1000-fold,10000-fold, 100000-fold, or more, or below detectable levels. In someembodiments, purification includes a denaturation step such that primerextension products are purified away from the target polynucleotidetemplates to which they were hybridized.

Extended primers may be subjected to amplification, such as linear orexponential amplification. Methods for amplification are known in art,examples of which are described herein, such as with respect to otheraspects of the invention. Exponential amplification includes PCRamplification, and any other amplification methods where primerextension products serve as templates for further rounds of primerextension. Amplification typically utilizes one or more amplificationprimers, examples of which are described herein, such as with regard toother aspects of the invention. Amplification primers may be of anysuitable length, such as about, less than about, or more than about 5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, ormore nucleotides, any portion or all of which may be complementary tothe corresponding target sequence to which the primer hybridizes (e.g.about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, or more nucleotides). In general, PCR involves the steps ofdenaturation of the target to be amplified (if double stranded),hybridization of one or more primers to the target, and extension of theprimers by a DNA polymerase, with the steps repeated (or “cycled”) inorder to amplify the target sequence. Steps in this process can beoptimized for various outcomes, such as to enhance yield, decrease theformation of spurious products, and/or increase or decrease specificityof primer annealing. Methods of optimization are well known in the artand include adjustments to the type or amount of elements in theamplification reaction and/or to the conditions of a given step in theprocess, such as temperature at a particular step, duration of aparticular step, and/or number of cycles. In some embodiments, anamplification reaction comprises at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 50,or more cycles. In some embodiments, an amplification reaction comprisesno more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 50, or more cycles. Cycles cancontain any number of steps, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ormore steps. Steps can comprise any temperature or gradient oftemperatures, suitable for achieving the purpose of the given step,including but not limited to, strand denaturation, primer annealing, andprimer extension. Steps can be of any duration, including but notlimited to about, less than about, or more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 180, 240, 300,360, 420, 480, 540, 600, or more seconds, including indefinitely untilmanually interrupted. Cycles of any number comprising different stepscan be combined in any order.

In some embodiments, amplification comprises generating primer extensionproducts using a pair of amplification primers. Amplification primersmay comprise sequences complementary to complete or one or more portionsof sequences derived from adapter oligonucleotide sequences, sequencesderived from oligonucleotide primer sequences, sequences that are notcomplementary to template polynucleotides (e.g. 5′ non-complementarysequences), one or more other sequence elements (e.g. sequence elementsas described herein), or combinations of these. In some embodiments, asecond amplification primer comprises sequence X and sequence Y, wheresequence Y is positioned at the 3′ end of the second amplificationprimer.

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of an amplification process.In a first step of an example exponential amplification reaction,sequence Y of the second amplification primer hybridizes to thecomplementary sequence Y′ of an extended primer from a previousoligonucleotide primer extension reaction. Extension of the secondamplification primer (e.g. by a polymerase) produces asecond-amplification-primer extension product comprising sequences X, Y,W′, and Z′ in a 5′ to 3′ direction, where sequence W′ is the complementof sequence W, and sequence Z′ is the complement of sequence Z. Theprimer extension product is then denatured, freeing the template targetpolynucleotide to serve as template for hybridization with and extensionof a further second amplification primer, and the extension product forhybridization with and extension of a first amplification primer. Insome embodiments, the first amplification primer comprises sequence Vand sequence Z, where sequence Z is positioned at the 3′ end of thefirst amplification primer. In this example amplification reaction,sequence Z hybridizes to sequence Z′ of a second amplification primerextension product. Extension of the first amplification primer (e.g. bya polymerase) produces a first-amplification-primer extension productcomprising sequences V, Z, W, Y′, and X′ in a 5′ to 3′ direction, wheresequence X′ is complementary to sequence X, which itself can serve as atemplate for extension of a second amplification primer. Repeated cyclesof denaturation, hybridization, and extension thus produce duplexes ofprimer extension products comprising one strand comprising sequences V,Z, W, Y′, and X′ (from 5′ to 3′) hybridized to a second strandcomprising sequences X, Y, W′, Z′, and V′ (from 5′ to 3′). In accordancewith this example amplification reaction, target polynucleotide sequencewill generally be positioned between sequences Z and Y′ on one strand,and between sequences Z′ and Y on the other strand.

In some embodiments the oligonucleotide primer and/or one or moreamplification primers comprise a barcode. Examples of barcodes aredescribed herein, such as with regard to other aspects of the invention.In some embodiments, separate amplification reactions are carried outfor separate samples using amplification primers comprising at least onedifferent barcode sequence for each sample, such that no barcodesequence is joined to the target polynucleotides of more than one sampleto be analyzed in parallel. In some embodiments, amplifiedpolynucleotides derived from different samples and comprising differentbarcodes are pooled before proceeding with subsequent manipulation ofthe polynucleotides (such as before sequencing). Pools may comprisepolynucleotides derived from about, less than about, or more than about2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75,100, or more different samples. Pools may subsequently be subjected tosequencing, and the source samples of sequenced target polynucleotidesmay be identified based on their associated barcodes.

In some embodiments, exponentially amplified target polynucleotides aresequenced. Sequencing may be performed according to any method ofsequencing known in the art, including sequencing processes describedherein, such as with reference to other aspects of the invention.Sequence analysis using template dependent synthesis can include anumber of different processes. For example, in the ubiquitouslypracticed four-color Sanger sequencing methods, a population of templatemolecules is used to create a population of complementary fragmentsequences. Primer extension is carried out in the presence of the fournaturally occurring nucleotides, and with a sub-population of dyelabeled terminator nucleotides, e.g., dideoxyribonucleotides, where eachtype of terminator (ddATP, ddGTP, ddTTP, ddCTP) includes a differentdetectable label. As a result, a nested set of fragments is createdwhere the fragments terminate at each nucleotide in the sequence beyondthe primer, and are labeled in a manner that permits identification ofthe terminating nucleotide. The nested fragment population is thensubjected to size based separation, e.g., using capillaryelectrophoresis, and the labels associated with each different sizedfragment is identified to identify the terminating nucleotide. As aresult, the sequence of labels moving past a detector in the separationsystem provides a direct readout of the sequence information of thesynthesized fragments, and by complementarity, the underlying template(See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,534).

Other examples of template dependent sequencing methods include sequenceby synthesis processes, where individual nucleotides are identifiediteratively, as they are added to the growing primer extension product.

Pyrosequencing is an example of a sequence by synthesis process thatidentifies the incorporation of a nucleotide by assaying the resultingsynthesis mixture for the presence of by-products of the sequencingreaction, namely pyrophosphate. In particular, aprimer/template/polymerase complex is contacted with a single type ofnucleotide. If that nucleotide is incorporated, the polymerizationreaction cleaves the nucleoside triphosphate between the α and βphosphates of the triphosphate chain, releasing pyrophosphate. Thepresence of released pyrophosphate is then identified using achemiluminescent enzyme reporter system that converts the pyrophosphate,with AMP, into ATP, then measures ATP using a luciferase enzyme toproduce measurable light signals. Where light is detected, the base isincorporated, where no light is detected, the base is not incorporated.Following appropriate washing steps, the various bases are cyclicallycontacted with the complex to sequentially identify subsequent bases inthe template sequence. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,891.

In related processes, the primer/template/polymerase complex isimmobilized upon a substrate and the complex is contacted with labelednucleotides. The immobilization of the complex may be through the primersequence, the template sequence and/or the polymerase enzyme, and may becovalent or noncovalent. For example, immobilization of the complex canbe via a linkage between the polymerase or the primer and the substratesurface. In alternate configurations, the nucleotides are provided withand without removable terminator groups. Upon incorporation, the labelis coupled with the complex and is thus detectable. In the case ofterminator bearing nucleotides, all four different nucleotides, bearingindividually identifiable labels, are contacted with the complex.Incorporation of the labeled nucleotide arrests extension, by virtue ofthe presence of the terminator, and adds the label to the complex,allowing identification of the incorporated nucleotide. The label andterminator are then removed from the incorporated nucleotide, andfollowing appropriate washing steps, the process is repeated. In thecase of non-terminated nucleotides, a single type of labeled nucleotideis added to the complex to determine whether it will be incorporated, aswith pyrosequencing. Following removal of the label group on thenucleotide and appropriate washing steps, the various differentnucleotides are cycled through the reaction mixture in the same process.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,246, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety for all purposes. For example, the Illumina Genome AnalyzerSystem is based on technology described in WO 98/44151, herebyincorporated by reference, wherein DNA molecules are bound to asequencing platform (flow cell) via an anchor probe binding site(otherwise referred to as a flow cell binding site) and amplified insitu on a glass slide. A solid surface on which DNA molecules areamplified typically comprise a plurality of first and second boundoligonucleotides, the first complementary to a sequence near or at oneend of a target polynucleotide and the second complementary to asequence near or at the other end of a target polynucleotide. Thisarrangement permits bridge amplification, such as described herein. TheDNA molecules are then annealed to a sequencing primer and sequenced inparallel base-by-base using a reversible terminator approach.Hybridization of a sequencing primer may be preceded by cleavage of onestrand of a double-stranded bridge polynucleotide at a cleavage site inone of the bound oligonucleotides anchoring the bridge, thus leaving onesingle strand not bound to the solid substrate that may be removed bydenaturing, and the other strand bound and available for hybridizationto a sequencing primer. Typically, the Illumina Genome Analyzer Systemutilizes flow-cells with 8 channels, generating sequencing reads of 18to 36 bases in length, generating >1.3 Gbp of high quality data per run(see www.illumina.com).

In yet a further sequence by synthesis process, the incorporation ofdifferently labeled nucleotides is observed in real time as templatedependent synthesis is carried out. In particular, an individualimmobilized primer/template/polymerase complex is observed asfluorescently labeled nucleotides are incorporated, permitting real timeidentification of each added base as it is added. In this process, labelgroups are attached to a portion of the nucleotide that is cleavedduring incorporation. For example, by attaching the label group to aportion of the phosphate chain removed during incorporation, i.e., aβ,γ, or other terminal phosphate group on a nucleoside polyphosphate,the label is not incorporated into the nascent strand, and instead,natural DNA is produced. Observation of individual molecules typicallyinvolves the optical confinement of the complex within a very smallillumination volume. By optically confining the complex, one creates amonitored region in which randomly diffusing nucleotides are present fora very short period of time, while incorporated nucleotides are retainedwithin the observation volume for longer as they are being incorporated.This results in a characteristic signal associated with theincorporation event, which is also characterized by a signal profilethat is characteristic of the base being added. In related aspects,interacting label components, such as fluorescent resonant energytransfer (FRET) dye pairs, are provided upon the polymerase or otherportion of the complex and the incorporating nucleotide, such that theincorporation event puts the labeling components in interactiveproximity, and a characteristic signal results, that is again, alsocharacteristic of the base being incorporated (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.6,056,661, 6,917,726, 7,033,764, 7,052,847, 7,056,676, 7,170,050,7,361,466, and 7,416,844; and US 20070134128).

In some embodiments, the nucleic acids in the sample can be sequenced byligation. This method uses a DNA ligase enzyme to identify the targetsequence, for example, as used in the polony method and in the SOLiDtechnology (Applied Biosystems, now Invitrogen). In general, a pool ofall possible oligonucleotides of a fixed length is provided, labeledaccording to the sequenced position. Oligonucleotides are annealed andligated; the preferential ligation by DNA ligase for matching sequencesresults in a signal corresponding to the complementary sequence at thatposition.

In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for a plurality ofsamples in parallel, such as about, less than about, or more than about2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24,48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1000, or more samples. In some embodiments,sequencing data are generated for a plurality of samples in a singlereaction container (e.g. a channel in a flow cell), such as about, lessthan about, or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1000, or moresamples, and sequencing data are subsequently grouped according to thesample from which the sequenced polynucleotides originated (e.g. basedon a barcode sequence).

In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for about, less thanabout, or more than about 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400,500, 750, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more differenttarget polynucleotides from a sample in a single reaction container(e.g. a channel in a flow cell). In some embodiments, sequencing dataare generated for a plurality of samples in parallel, such as about,less than about, or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1000, or moresamples. In some embodiments, sequencing data are generated for aplurality of samples in a single reaction container (e.g. a channel in aflow cell), such as about, less than about, or more than about 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96,192, 384, 768, 1000, or more samples, and sequencing data aresubsequently grouped according to the sample from which the sequencedpolynucleotides originated. In a single reaction, sequencing data may begenerated for about or at least about 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸,4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰, or more target polynucleotides or clusters froma bridge amplification reaction, which may comprise sequencing data forabout, less than about, or more than about 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶,4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ target polynucleotides or clusters for eachsample in the reaction. In some embodiments, the presence or absence ofabout, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125,150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000,50000, or more causal genetic variants is determined for a sample basedon the sequencing data. The presence or absence of one or more causalgenetic variants may be determined with an accuracy of about or morethan about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9% or higher.

In some embodiments, one or more, or all, of the steps in a method ofthe invention are automated, such as by use of one or more automateddevices. In general, automated devices are devices that are able tooperate without human direction—an automated system can perform afunction during a period of time after a human has finished taking anyaction to promote the function, e.g. by entering instructions into acomputer, after which the automated device performs one or more stepswithout further human operation. Software and programs, including codethat implements embodiments of the present invention, may be stored onsome type of data storage media, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, tape, flashdrive, or diskette, or other appropriate computer readable medium.Various embodiments of the present invention can also be implementedexclusively in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.For example, in one embodiment, rather than a conventional personalcomputer, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used. As known tothose skilled in the art, PLCs are frequently used in a variety ofprocess control applications where the expense of a general purposecomputer is unnecessary. PLCs may be configured in a known manner toexecute one or a variety of control programs, and are capable ofreceiving inputs from a user or another device and/or providing outputsto a user or another device, in a manner similar to that of a personalcomputer. Accordingly, although embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in terms of a general purpose computer, it should beappreciated that the use of a general purpose computer is exemplaryonly, as other configurations may be used.

In some embodiments, automation may comprise the use of one or moreliquid handlers and associated software. Several commercially availableliquid handling systems can be utilized to run the automation of theseprocesses (see for example liquid handlers from Perkin-Elmer, BeckmanCoulter, Caliper Life Sciences, Tecan, Eppendorf, Apricot Design,Velocity 11 as examples). In some embodiments, automated steps includeone or more of fragmentation, end-repair, A-tailing (addition of adenineoverhang), adapter joining, PCR amplification, sample quantification(e.g. amount and/or purity of DNA), and sequencing. In some embodiments,bridge amplification is automated (e.g. by use of an Illumina cBot). Insome embodiments, sequencing is automated. A variety of automatedsequencing machines are commercially available, and include sequencersmanufactured by Life Technologies (SOLiD platform, and pH-baseddetection), Roche (454 platform), Illumina (e.g. flow cell basedsystems, such as Genome Analyzer devices). Transfer between 2, 3, 4, 5,or more automated devices (e.g. between one or more of a liquid handler,bridge a amplification device, and a sequencing device) may be manual orautomated. In some embodiments, one or more steps in a method of theinvention (e.g. all steps or all automated steps) are completed in aboutor less than about 72, 48, 24, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,3, 2, 1, or fewer hours. In some embodiments, the time from samplereceipt, DNA extraction, fragmentation, adapter joining, amplification,or bridge amplification to production of sequencing data is about orless than about 72, 48, 24, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,2, 1, or fewer hours.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting geneticvariation in a subject's genome. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises generating and analyzing sequencing data. In one embodiment,the method comprises: (a) providing a plurality of clusters ofpolynucleotides, wherein (i) each cluster comprises multiple copies of anucleic acid duplex attached to a support; (ii) each duplex in a clustercomprises a first molecule comprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to3′ and a second molecule comprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′;(iii) sequence A′ is complementary to sequence A, sequence B′ iscomplementary to sequence B, sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C,sequence D′ is complementary to sequence D, and sequence G′ iscomplementary to sequence G; (iv) sequence G is a portion of a targetpolynucleotide sequence from a subject and is different for each of aplurality of clusters; and (v) sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect tosequence G in the corresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (b)sequencing sequence G′ by extension of a first primer comprisingsequence D to produce an R1 sequence for each cluster; (c) sequencingsequence B′ by extension of a second primer comprising sequence A toproduce R2 sequence for each cluster; (d) performing a first alignmentusing a first algorithm to align all R1 sequences to one or more firstreference sequences; (e) performing a second alignment using a secondalgorithm to locally align R1 sequences identified in said firstalignment as likely to contain an insertion or deletion with respect tosaid one or more first reference sequences, to produce a singleconsensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (f) performing an R2alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to one or more second referencesequences; and (g) transmitting a report identifying sequence variationidentified by steps (d) to (f) to a receiver. In some embodiments,sequence A, B, C, and D correspond to sequence A, B, C, and D,respectively, as described with regard to other aspects of theinvention.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) providing sequencing datafor a plurality of clusters of polynucleotides, wherein (i) each clustercomprised multiple copies of a nucleic acid duplex attached to asupport; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprised a first moleculecomprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and a second moleculecomprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii) sequence A′ iscomplementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementary to sequence B,sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′ is complementaryto sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary to sequence G; (iv)sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotide sequence from asubject and is different for each of a plurality of clusters; (v)sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence Gin the correspondingtarget polynucleotide sequence; (viii) the sequencing data comprises R1sequences generated by extension of a first primer comprising sequenceD; and (vi) the sequencing data comprises R2 sequences generated byextension of a second primer comprising sequence A; (b) performing afirst alignment using a first algorithm to align all R1 sequences to oneor more first reference sequences; (c) performing a second alignmentusing a second algorithm to locally align R1 sequences identified insaid first alignment as likely to contain an insertion or deletion withrespect to said one or more first reference sequences, to produce asingle consensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (d)performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to one or moresecond reference sequences; and (e) transmitting a report identifyingsequence variation identified by steps (b) to (d) to a receiver. In someembodiments, sequence A, B, C, and D correspond to sequence A, B, C, andD, respectively, as described with regard to other aspects of theinvention.

In general, a cluster of polynucleotides comprises multiple copies of anucleic acid duplex that co-localize to a position on a support. Avariety of suitable solid supports and support materials are known inthe art, non-limiting examples of which are provided herein, such aswith regard to other aspects of the invention. Clusters ofpolynucleotides may be produced by bridge amplification. Suitablemethods and apparatuses for performing bridge amplification are providedherein, such as with regard to other aspects of the invention. In someembodiments, a solid support comprises a plurality of clusters, witheach cluster in the plurality formed by amplification of a differenttarget polynucleotide sequence. The portion of a target polynucleotidesequence to be amplified, such as a sequence G, may be bound to asupport in a process comprising extension of a first oligonucleotideimmobilized on the support. In some embodiments, the solid supportcomprises a plurality of different first oligonucleotides comprisingsequence A and sequence B, wherein sequence A is common among all firstoligonucleotides; and further wherein sequence B is different for eachdifferent first oligonucleotide, and is at the 3′ end of each firstoligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the plurality of firstoligonucleotides comprises about, less than about, or more than about 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500,5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more different oligonucleotides,each comprising a different sequence B. In some embodiments, sequence Bof one or more of the plurality of first oligonucleotides comprises asequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 22-121, shownin FIG. 4 (e.g. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 different oligonucleotideseach with a different sequence from FIG. 4). In some embodiments,sequence B or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizescomprises a causal genetic variant, as described herein. In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of a causal genetic variant, asdescribed herein. Causal genetic variants are typically locateddownstream of a first oligonucleotide, such that at least a portion ofthe causal genetic variant serves as template for extension of a firstoligonucleotide. The solid support may further comprise a plurality ofsecond oligonucleotides comprising sequence A at the 3′ end of eachsecond oligonucleotide, and a plurality of third oligonucleotidescomprising sequence C at the 3′ end of each third oligonucleotide, asdescribed herein. An example of bridge amplification of a portion of atarget polynucleotide sequence using bound first, second, and thirdoligonucleotides to produce clusters of duplexes is illustrated in FIG.1, with sequence G′ represented by the black line between sequences Band D′, and sequence G represented by the black line between sequence B′and D.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises a non-subject sequence. In some embodiments,sequence B or the target sequence to which it specifically hybridizes iswithin about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 500or more nucleotides of a non-subject sequence. In general, a non-subjectsequence corresponds to a polynucleotide derived from an organism otherthan the individual being tested or from whom a sample is taken, such asDNA or RNA from bacteria, archaea, viruses, protists, fungi, or otherorganism. Non-subject sequence can also include nucleic acids from afetus, such as cell-free nucleic acid (also referred to as extracellularnucleic acid) from a fetus. A non-subject sequence may be indicative ofthe identity of an organism or class of organisms, and may further beindicative of a disease state, such as infection. An example ofnon-subject sequences useful in identifying an organism include, withoutlimitation, rRNA sequences, such as 16s rRNA sequences (see e.g.WO2010151842). In some embodiments, non-subject sequences are analyzedinstead of, or separately from causal genetic variants. In someembodiments, causal genetic variants and non-subject sequences areanalyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g. using a mixtureof first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B that specificallyhybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causal genetic variant,and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizes to a sequencecomprising or near a non-subject sequence) and/or in the same report.

In some embodiments, sequence B of one or more of the plurality of firstoligonucleotides or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes comprises an ancestry informative marker (AIM). In someembodiments, sequence B or the target sequence to which it specificallyhybridizes is within about, less than about, or more than about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 200, 500 or more nucleotides of an AIM. An AIM may be used toclassify a person as belonging to or not belonging to one or morepopulations, such as a population that is at increased risk for one ofthe causal genetic variants. For example, an AIM can be diagnostic for apopulation in which a trait is at increased prevalence. In certaininstances the AIM may distinguish between populations with finergranularity, for example, between sub-continental groups or relatedethnic groups. In some embodiments, AIMs are analyzed instead of, orseparately from causal genetic variants and/or non-subject sequences. Insome embodiments, AIMs, causal genetic variants, and/or non-subjectsequences are analyzed in parallel, such as in the same sample (e.g.using a mixture of first oligonucleotides, some with a sequence B thatspecifically hybridizes to a sequence comprising or near a causalgenetic variant, and some with a sequence B that specifically hybridizesto a sequence comprising or near an AIM) and/or in the same report.

In some embodiments, one or more sequences of a plurality of clustersare sequenced. Example methods of sequencing are described herein, suchas with regard to other aspects of the invention. Sequencing data may beproduced by extension of one or more sequencing primers for eachcluster. A sequencing primer can be of any suitable length, such asabout, less than about, or more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, or more nucleotides, anyportion or all of which may be complementary to the corresponding targetsequence to which the primer hybridizes (e.g. about, less than about, ormore than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or morenucleotides). A sequencing primer, primer D, may comprise or consist ofsequence D, such that it specifically hybridizes to complementarysequence D′. In some embodiments, the first nucleotide downstream ofsequence D′ is the first nucleotide of sequence G′, such that the firstnucleotide added in extension of primer D corresponds to sequence G. Asequencing primer, primer C, may comprise or consist of sequence C, suchthat it specifically hybridizes to complementary sequence C′. In someembodiments, the first nucleotide downstream of sequence C′ is the firstnucleotide of a barcode sequence, such that the first nucleotide addedin extension of primer C corresponds to a barcode sequence. A sequencingprimer, primer A, may comprise or consist of sequence A, such that itspecifically hybridizes to complementary sequence A′. In someembodiments, the first nucleotide downstream of sequence A′ is the firstnucleotide of sequence B′, such that the first nucleotide added inextension of primer A corresponds to sequence B. In some embodiments, asequencing primer comprises the sequenceCACTCAGCAGCACGACGATCACAGATGTGTATAAGAGACAG (SEQ ID NO: 20).

Two or more different sequencing primers may be used in successivesequencing reactions to produce multiple sequencing reads for eachcluster. For example, successive sequencing reactions may be performedfor each of primers A, C, and D, in any order (e.g. primer D, thenprimer C, then primer A). A sequencing reaction may be preceded by oneor more of: strand cleavage, strand denaturation, or a wash step toremove one or more components of a previous reaction (e.g. a sequencingprimer). A sequencing reaction may comprise multiple cycles ofindividual nucleotide primer extension, with each addition followed byan identification step to determine the identity of the added base. Thenumber of cycles of individual nucleotide extension may be about or morethan about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, ormore, such as for each of a plurality of sequencing primers used insuccessive sequencing reactions, or collectively for all sequencingprimers used in successive sequencing reactions. In some embodiments,the number of cycles of individual nucleotide extension is selectedbased on the length of the sequence to be identified, such as a barcodeor probe sequence, and may be less than about 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8,7, 6, 5, or fewer cycles. The number of cycles for each of a pluralityof sequencing primers used in successive sequencing reactions may bedifferent. For example, 59 cycles of extension of primer D may befollowed by 6 cycles of extension of primer C, which may then befollowed by 15 cycles of extension of primer A, for 80 total cycles ofextension.

Extension of a first sequencing primer, second sequencing primer, and athird primer that is an indexing primer may produce an R1, an R2, and abarcode sequence, respectively, for each cluster. In general, multiplesequences are identified as originating from a single cluster based onphysical co-localization of successive extension reactions, such as aposition on an array of clusters. In some embodiments, sequencing data(e.g. R1 and/or R2 sequences) are generated for about, less than about,or more than about 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500,750, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more differenttarget polynucleotides from a sample in a single reaction container(e.g. a channel in a flow cell), such as by extension of one or moresequencing primers. In some embodiments, sequencing data are generatedfor a plurality of samples in parallel, such as about, less than about,or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1000, or more samples. Insome embodiments, sequencing data are generated for a plurality ofsamples in a single reaction container (e.g. a channel in a flow cell),such as about, less than about, or more than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384,768, 1000, or more samples, and sequencing data are subsequently groupedaccording to the sample from which the sequenced polynucleotidesoriginated (e.g. based on a barcode sequence). Grouping of sequencingdata based on barcode sequences may be performed before or afterperforming one or more alignments, such as described herein, andoptionally before removing one or more sequences from analysis. Ingeneral, once sequencing reads are grouped based on a barcode, eachgroup of reads is further processed independently of other groups. Insome embodiments, each barcode differs from every other barcode in aplurality of different barcodes analyzed in parallel. Typically, abarcode sequence is associated with a single sample in a pool of samplessequenced in a single reaction. In some embodiments, each of a pluralityof barcode sequences is uniquely associated with a single sample in apool of samples sequenced simultaneously. In some embodiments, a barcodesequence is located 5′ from sequence D′.

In a single reaction, sequencing data (e.g. R1 and/or R2 sequence) maybe generated for about or at least about 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸,4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰, or more target polynucleotides or clusters froma bridge amplification reaction, which may comprise sequencing data forabout, less than about, or more than about 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶ , 2×l 10 ⁶,3×10⁶, 4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ target polynucleotides or clusters foreach sample in the reaction. A sequencing system may output sequencingdata in any of a variety of output data file types or formats,including, but not limited to, *.fasta, *.csfasta, *seq.txt, *qseq.txt,*.fastq, *.sff, *prb.txt, *.sms, *srs and/or *.qv. In some embodiments,the presence or absence of about, less than about, or more than about 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2500,5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 50000, or more causal genetic variants isdetermined for a sample based on the sequencing data. The presence,absence, or allele ratio of one or more causal genetic variants may bedetermined with an accuracy of about or more than about 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9% or higher. In some embodiments, thepresence, absence, or quantity of one or more non-subject sequenceand/or one or more AIM is determined with an accuracy of about or morethan about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9% or higher.

In some embodiments, sequences identified in one or more sequencingreactions for a plurality of clusters are aligned to a referencesequence. In general, alignment involves placing one sequence alonganother sequence, iteratively introducing gaps along each sequence,scoring how well the two sequences match, and preferably repeating forvarious positions along the reference. The best-scoring match is deemedto be the alignment and represents an inference about the degree ofrelationship between the sequences. In some embodiments, a referencesequence to which sequencing reads are compared is a reference genome,such as the genome of a member of the same species as the subject. Areference genome may be complete or incomplete. In some embodiments, areference genome consists only of regions containing targetpolynucleotides. In some embodiments, a reference sequence comprises orconsists of a human genome. In some embodiments, a reference sequencecomprises or consists of sequences of polynucleotides of one or moreorganisms other than the individual being tested or from whom a sampleis taken, such as sequences from one or more bacteria, archaea, viruses,protists, fungi, or other organism. In some embodiments, a referencesequence comprises or consists of a plurality of known sequences, suchas all probe sequences used to amplify target polynucleotide sequences(e.g. every sequence B and/or sequence B′ for every different targetpolynucleotide). Sequencing data generated from the extension of oneprimer (e.g. R1 sequences from primer D) may be aligned to the same ordifferent reference sequence as sequencing data generated from theextension of another primer (e.g. R2 sequences from primer A).Sequencing data generated from the extension of one primer may bealigned to a reference sequence two or more times, with each alignmentusing a different alignment algorithm. R1 sequences may be alignedindependently of R2 sequences. A first alignment of R1 and R2 sequencesmay use the same alignment algorithm.

In an alignment, a base in the sequencing read alongside a non-matchingbase in the reference indicates that a substitution mutation hasoccurred at that point. Similarly, where one sequence includes a gapalongside a base in the other sequence, an insertion or deletionmutation (an “indel”) is inferred to have occurred. When it is desiredto specify that one sequence is being aligned to one other, thealignment is sometimes called a pairwise alignment. Multiple sequencealignment generally refers to the alignment of two or more sequences,including, for example, by a series of pairwise alignments. In someembodiments, scoring an alignment involves setting values for theprobabilities of substitutions and indels. When individual bases arealigned, a match or mismatch contributes to the alignment score by asubstitution probability, which could be, for example, 1 for a match and0.33 for a mismatch. An indel deducts from an alignment score by a gappenalty, which could be, for example, −1. Gap penalties and substitutionprobabilities can be based on empirical knowledge or a prioriassumptions about how sequences mutate. Their values affect theresulting alignment. Examples of algorithms for performing alignmentsinclude, without limitation, the Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm, theNeedleman-Wunsch (NW) algorithm, algorithms based on the Burrows-WheelerTransform (BWT), and hash function aligners such as Novoalign (NovocraftTechnologies; available at www.novocraft.com), ELAND (Illumina, SanDiego, Calif.), SOAP (available at soap.genomics.org.cn), and Maq(available at maq.sourceforge.net).

In some embodiments, an alignment according to the invention isperformed using a computer program. One exemplary alignment program,which implements a BWT approach, is Burrows-Wheeler Aligner (BWA)available from the SourceForge web site maintained by Geeknet (Fairfax,Va.). BWT typically occupies 2 bits of memory per nucleotide, making itpossible to index nucleotide sequences as long as 4G base pairs with atypical desktop or laptop computer. The pre-processing includes theconstruction of BWT (i.e., indexing the reference) and the supportingauxiliary data structures. BWA includes two different algorithms, bothbased on BWT. Alignment by BWA can proceed using the algorithmbwa-short, designed for short queries up to about 200 by with low errorrate (<3%) (Li H. and Durbin R. Bioinformatics, 25:1754-60 (2009)). Thesecond algorithm, BWA-SW, is designed for long reads with more errors(Li H. and Durbin R. (2010). Fast and accurate long-read alignment withBurrows-Wheeler Transform. Bioinformatics, Epub.). One skilled in theart will recognize that bwa-sw is sometimes referred to as “bwa-long”,“bwa long algorithm”, or similar.

An alignment program that implements a version of the Smith-Watermanalgorithm is MUMmer, available from the SourceForge web site maintainedby Geeknet (Fairfax, Va.). MUMmer is a system for rapidly aligningentire genomes, whether in complete or draft form (Kurtz, S., et al.,Genome Biology, 5:R12 (2004); Delcher, A. L., et al., Nucl. Acids Res.,27:11 (1999)). For example, MUMmer 3.0 can find all 20-basepair orlonger exact matches between a pair of 5-megabase genomes in 13.7seconds, using 78 MB of memory, on a 2.4 GHz Linux desktop computer.MUMmer can also align incomplete genomes; it can easily handle the 100sor 1000s of contigs from a shotgun sequencing project, and will alignthem to another set of contigs or a genome using the NUCmer programincluded with the system.

Other non-limiting examples of alignment programs include: BLAT fromKent Informatics (Santa Cruz, Calif.) (Kent, W. J., Genome Research 4:656-664 (2002)); SOAP2, from Beijing Genomics Institute (Beijing, Conn.)or BGI Americas Corporation (Cambridge, Mass.); Bowtie (Langmead, etal., Genome Biology, 10:R25 (2009)); Efficient Large-Scale Alignment ofNucleotide Databases (ELAND) or the ELANDv2 component of the ConsensusAssessment of Sequence and Variation (CASAVA) software (Illumina, SanDiego, Calif.); RTG Investigator from Real Time Genomics, Inc. (SanFrancisco, Calif.); Novoalign from Novocraft (Selangor, Malaysia);Exonerate, European Bioinformatics Institute (Hinxton, UK) (Slater, G.,and Birney, E., BMC Bioinformatics 6:31(2005)), Clustal Omega, fromUniversity College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) (Sievers F., et al., MolSyst Biol 7, article 539 (2011)); ClustalW or ClustalX from UniversityCollege Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) (Larkin M. A., et al., Bioinformatics,23, 2947-2948 (2007)); and FASTA, European Bioinformatics Institute(Hinxton, UK) (Pearson W. R., et al., PNAS 85(8):2444-8 (1988); Lipman,D. J., Science 227(4693):1435-41 (1985)).

In some embodiments, any or all of the steps of the invention areautomated. For example, a Perl script or shell script can be written toinvoke any of the various programs discussed above (see, e.g., Tisdall,Mastering Perl for Bioinformatics, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.,Sebastopol, Calif 2003; Michael, R., Mastering Unix Shell Scripting,Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind. 2003). Alternatively, methodsof the invention may be embodied wholly or partially in one or morededicated programs, for example, each optionally written in a compiledlanguage such as C++ then compiled and distributed as a binary. Methodsof the invention may be implemented wholly or in part as modules within,or by invoking functionality within, existing sequence analysisplatforms. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention include anumber of steps that are all invoked automatically responsive to asingle starting queue (e.g., one or a combination of triggering eventssourced from human activity, another computer program, or a machine).Thus, the invention provides methods in which any or the steps or anycombination of the steps can occur automatically responsive to a queue.The output can be provided in the format of a computer file. In certainembodiments, the output is a FASTA file, VCF file, text file, or an XMLfile containing sequence data such as a sequence of the nucleic acidaligned to a sequence of the reference genome. In other embodiments, theoutput contains coordinates or a string describing one or more mutationsin the subject nucleic acid relative to the reference genome. Alignmentstrings known in the art include Simple UnGapped Alignment Report(SUGAR), Verbose Useful Labeled Gapped Alignment Report (VULGAR), andCompact Idiosyncratic Gapped Alignment Report (CIGAR) (Ning, Z., et al.,Genome Research 11(10):1725-9 (2001)). In some embodiments, the outputis a sequence alignment—such as, for example, a sequence alignment map(SAM) or binary alignment map (BAM) file—comprising a CIGAR string (theSAM format is described, e.g., in Li, et al., The Sequence Alignment/Mapformat and SAMtools, Bioinformatics, 2009, 25(16):2078-9). In someembodiments, CIGAR displays or includes gapped alignments one-per-line.CIGAR is a compressed pairwise alignment format reported as a CIGARstring.

In some embodiments, R1 sequence from a cluster comprises sequence Gfrom a plurality of different target polynucleotides and R2 sequencefrom a cluster comprises sequence B, where sequence B is a probesequence used to generate a cluster of amplified duplexes. When eachsequence B is selected to target a specific target polynucleotide, itssequence and location within the reference sequences (e.g. referencegenome) is generally known, and R1 sequences from the same cluster maybe expected to fall within an anticipated nucleotide distance. Ananticipated nucleotide distance may be based on an average or medianfragment length for samples comprising fragmented samplepolynucleotides, or an upper threshold distance representing an unlikelyfragment length based on such median or average fragment length. Thus,in some embodiments, an R1 sequence that aligns to a position furtheraway than the threshold distance from the R2 sequence from the samecluster may be erroneous and is discarded. In some embodiments, theupper threshold distance along a reference sequence between aligned R1and R2 sequences from the same cluster, above which sequence reads for acluster are discarded, is about, or more than about 1000, 2500, 5000,7500, 10000, 12500, 15000, 20000 or more base pairs. In someembodiments, alignments of R1 sequences to non-unique regions of areference sequence (e.g. a reference genome) are discarded and thesequences re-aligned to a smaller subset of unique sequences within thereference sequence.

Typically, a base quality score is determined for each nucleotide in asequencing result, and relates to the probability that a particular basecall is wrong. An example of a base quality score is a Phred qualityscore Q, where Q=−10 log₁₀P, and where P represents the probability thatthe corresponding base call is incorrect. In some embodiments, basequality scores are used to evaluate alignments of sequencing reads to areference sequence, such as by determining a mapping quality score foreach of a plurality of alignments. Methods for calculating mappingquality scores are known in the art. For example, alignments having aquality score below a threshold value may be discarded, re-aligned, orreplaced with an alternative alignment having a higher score. In someembodiments, an alignment with a mapping quality score below a thresholdvalue and having more than one optimal alignment is re-aligned to asubset of sequences within the reference sequence, such as only regionsof a reference genome containing target polynucleotides. In someembodiments, a threshold mapping quality score is about, or less thanabout 100, 75, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0.

In some embodiments, sequencing reads likely to be duplicative areremoved following an initial alignment. When sequencing reads aremapped, duplicative reads may be marked as duplicates by the alignmentalgorithm. For example, a mark duplicates subroutine within thealignment algorithm examines all of the records in a file of alignedsequences (e.g. a *.BAM file) and decides which reads are duplicates ofother reads. Generally speaking, there are two types of duplicates:optical duplicates, which are typically caused by defects in the primaryanalysis software, and PCR duplicates, which are caused by duplicativePCR reactions. However from a computational point of view, opticalduplicates and PCR duplicates are indistinguishable. One way todetermine if two sequence reads are duplicates or not is to compare thebase sequences—two duplicate reads should have duplicate base sequences.However, due to sequencing errors, it may be the case that two duplicatereads are sequenced such that a sequencing error for one read will causeits base sequence to differ significantly from the other read.Therefore, rather than compare base sequences to determine if two readsare duplicates, their alignments can be compared instead. If two readsare duplicates, then the entire set of alignments for both reads willgenerally be the same. In some embodiments, duplicates are marked forremoval and/or discarded using one or more algorithms distinct from thealignment algorithm. In general, when barcode sequences are used,sequencing reads are only deleted when occurring within the same barcodesequence grouping.

In some embodiments, a second alignment using a second algorithm isperformed after a first alignment using a first algorithm. The secondalignment may be with respect to the same reference sequence as thefirst alignment, a different reference sequence from that used in thefirst alignment, or without use of a reference sequence (such as whenall sequencing reads overlapping a particular region are aligned withone another). For example, sequences identified in a first alignment aslikely to contain an insertion and/or deletion (indel) with respect tothe first reference sequence may be locally aligned to produce a singleconsensus sequence for an insertion and/or deletion contained in atarget polynucleotide. A first alignment may align individual sequencesto a reference sequence independently. In some cases, a sequencing readwith a true indel may be aligned with multiple mismatches rather than anindel when an alignment model with multiple mismatches scores higherthan the indel-containing alignment. Typically, multiple sequences arealigned as overlapping a single nucleotide position (such as in a tiledfashion). Overlapping regions containing more than a predicted amount ofsequence variation (for example, more than two alleles for a uniquelocus in a genome of a human subject) may indicate the likely presenceof an indel. The location of some indels for a particular referencesequence may be known, such that sequences overlapping the location of aknown indel identifies the sequence as likely to contain an indel. Thelikelihood of containing an indel may be expressed numerically, based onone or more such factors, such as a likelihood of at least about 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more. In some embodiments, all sequencesoverlapping a region of interest, such as a causal genetic variant, andoptionally also containing or likely to contain an indel are locallyaligned using a second algorithm in order to produce a single consensussequence for the region of interest. A region of interest may be of anysuitable size, such as about, less than about, or more than about 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, or more nucleotides in length. A secondalignment may be a local multiple-sequence alignment of all sequencingreads overlapping one or more nucleotide positions. In some embodiments,the second alignment identifies a single consensus sequence byoptimizing the alignment of all sequencing reads at a position. In someembodiments, the consensus sequence produced by the second alignmentcontains at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or 25 fewernucleotide mismatches with respect to the reference sequence than one ormore of the sequences realigned to produce the consensus sequence. Insome embodiments, the algorithm used to perform the second alignment iscapable of identifying an insertion and/or a deletion of about, or morethan about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or morenucleotides relative to the reference sequence with an accuracy of aboutor more than about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, or higher.

Typically, the second algorithm is different from the first algorithm,and the second algorithm may require more resources of the system (e.g.a computer system) running the algorithm to perform the same number ofalignments. For example, performing the first alignment with a systemusing the first algorithm may take less time to align all R1 reads thanwould be taken if the system used the second algorithm to perform thefirst alignment of all R1 reads. In some embodiments, performing thefirst alignment with the first algorithm takes about or less than about90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or less ofthe time that would be taken by the same system to perform the firstalignment using the second algorithm. As a further example, performingthe first alignment with a system using the first algorithm may use lesssystem memory to align all R1 reads than would be used if the systemused the second algorithm to perform the first alignment of all R1reads. In some embodiments, performing the first alignment with thefirst algorithm uses about or less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%,40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or less memory than would be used bythe same system to perform the first alignment using the secondalgorithm. The first algorithm may perform the first alignment usingheuristics. In some embodiments, the first algorithm is based on theBurrows-Wheeler transform, such as the Burrows-Wheeler Aligner. In someembodiments, the second algorithm is based on the Smith-Watermanalgorithm.

In some embodiments, an amplified sequence derived from one or moretarget polynucleotides from a sample (e.g. sequence G from at least 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of all clusters) is from 1 nucleotide inlength to about, less than about, or more than about 10, 25, 50, 100,250, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, or more nucleotides in length. In general,if an amplified sequence derived from a target polynucleotide for acluster (e.g. sequence G) is shorter than the number of cycles ofnucleotide extension performed in sequencing the amplified sequence(also referred to as the “read length”), then sequence data returned forthat sequencing read will likely contain sequence of a firstoligonucleotide used to initially capture the amplified sequence (e.g.sequence B or B′). When sequence B or B′ exists in the referencesequence (e.g. reference genome), the sequence may correctly align, butany true mutation in the target polynucleotide may be masked or inferredwith lower confidence. To avoid negative effects of firstoligonucleotide sequence contained in an R1 sequence, base calls likelyto correspond to sequence B or B′ for a cluster may be deleted. SequenceB or B′ for a cluster may be identified in a separate sequencingreaction, such as producing R2 sequence. R1 sequence may then becompared to R2 sequence for the same cluster to determine whether or notone or more nucleotides of R1 correspond to sequence B or B′. If no R2sequence (or no R2 sequence comprising any sequence B) is obtained for acluster, deleting first oligonucleotide sequence may comprise deleting aportion of an R1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequenceto be deleted is identical to at least a portion of any sequence B′(such as any B′ found in any cluster, or corresponding to any sequence Bused to amplify a target polynucleotide), the portion includes eitherthe 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) no R2 sequence wasproduced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced is not identicalto any sequence B. In general, nucleotide sequence comprising sequence Bor B′ found in the interior of an R1 sequence (that is, not includingthe 5′ or 3′ end of the sequencing read) indicates that the amplifiedsequence was captured using a more distant sequence B.

In some embodiments, genetic variation detected by a method of theinvention is used to calculate a plurality of probabilities. Eachprobability may be a probability of a subject or a subject's present orfuture offspring having or developing a disease or trait. In someembodiments, each probability is based on the R1 sequences for thesubject, and one or more such probabilities may be included in a reportof analysis results. In general, calculation of a probability that thetested subject has or will develop a disease or trait is based on alevel of risk associated with one or more tested causal geneticvariants, non-subject sequences, and/or AIMs. For example, if two causalgenetic variants contribute to the risk of developing a disease in anadditive fashion, then the presence of both causal genetic variants in asubject would indicate that the risk of that disease in the subject isincreased by the value resulting from adding the risks associated witheach. In general, calculation of a probability that an offspring of thesubject will have a disease or trait is based on a level of riskassociated with one or more tested causal genetic variants and/or AIMs,and the probability that an offspring will inherit the causal geneticvariants and/or AIMs. Risk calculations may be based on riskcorrelations maintained in one or more databases, which databases may beupdated based on external reports and/or records of genotyping resultsand associated phenotypes of tested subjects. In some embodiments, thecalculations are performed by a computer in accordance with instructionscontained in a computer readable medium. In some embodiments, thestatistical confidence of a probability that the subject or subject'soffspring will have or develop a disease or trait is at least about 70%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or higher. Confidence may be based on anumber of factors, such as confidence in sequencing accuracy, number ofassociated genetic variants tested, and confidence in the risk associatewith each genetic variant. Example methods for calculating probabilitiesare described in US20100022406.

In some embodiments of any aspect of the invention, a computer system isused to execute one or more steps of the described methods. FIG. 8illustrates a non-limiting example of a computer system useful in themethods of the invention. In some embodiments, the computer system isintegrated into and is part of an analysis system, like a liquidhandler, bridge amplification system (e.g. an Illumina cBot), and/or asequencing system (e.g. an Illumina Genome Analyzer, HiSeq, or MiSeqsystem). In some embodiments, the computer system is connected to orported to an analysis system. In some embodiments, the computer systemis connected to an analysis system by a network connection. A computersystem (or digital device) may be used to receive and store results,analyze the results, and/or produce a report of the results andanalysis. The computer system may be understood as a logical apparatusthat can read instructions from media (e.g. software) and/or networkport (e.g. from the internet), which can optionally be connected to aserver having fixed media. A computer system may comprise one or more ofa CPU, disk drives, input devices such as keyboard and/or mouse, and adisplay (e.g. a monitor). Data communication, such as transmission ofinstructions or reports, can be achieved through a communication mediumto a server at a local or a remote location. The communication mediumcan include any means of transmitting and/or receiving data. Forexample, the communication medium can be a network connection, awireless connection, or an internet connection. Such a connection canprovide for communication over the World Wide Web. It is envisioned thatdata relating to the present invention can be transmitted over suchnetworks or connections (or any other suitable means for transmittinginformation, including but not limited to mailing a physical report,such as a print-out) for reception and/or for review by a receiver. Thereceiver can be but is not limited to an individual, a health careprovider, a health care manager, or electronic system (e.g. one or morecomputers, and/or one or more servers). In some embodiments, acomputer-readable medium includes a medium suitable for transmission ofa result of an analysis of a biological sample. The medium can include aresult regarding analysis of an individual's genetic profile, whereinsuch a result is derived using the methods described herein. The dataand or results may be displayed at any time on a display, such as amonitor, and may also be stored or printed in the form of a geneticreport.

Causal genetic variants associated with phenotypes may be obtained fromscientific literature and sent to a computer system for comparison withsequence results for a sample from a subject. Genotypes of causalgenetic variants and results from biological samples may be sent to,stored, and analyzed by a computer system (or other digital device),which produces a report of the results and analyses of genomic data. Theresults and analyses may be accessed online by a receiver, such as ahealth care provider, via an online portal or website. The results andanalyses may be viewed online, saved on a receiver's computer, printed,or be mailed to a receiver. The results may be used for personalizedhealth management, such as at the direction of a physician or otherhealth professional. For example, the subject may be referred to orcontacted by a genetic counselor to receive genetic counseling.

The database may have one or more of a variety of optional componentsthat, for example, provide more information about the sequencing resultsproduced by methods of the invention. In some embodiments there isprovided a computer readable medium encoded with computer executablesoftware that includes instructions for a computer to execute functionsassociated with the identified causal genetic variants. Such computersystem may include any combination of such codes or computer executablesoftware, depending upon the types of evaluations desired to becompleted. The computer system may also have code for linking each ofthe sequences (e.g. genotypes for causal genetic variants) to at leastone phenotype, such as a condition, for example, a medical condition,including but not limited to a risk for having or developing thephenotype. Each medical condition in turn can be linked to at least onerecommendation by a medical specialist and code for generating a reportcomprising the recommendation. The system can also have code forgenerating a report. Different types of reports can be generated, forexample, reports based on the level of detail a receiver may want orhave paid for. For example, a receiver may have ordered analysis for asingle phenotype, such as a condition, and thus a report may comprisethe results for that single phenotype, such as a condition. Anotherreceiver may have requested a genetic profile for a panel or an organsystem, or another individual may have requested a comprehensive geneticprofile that includes analysis of all clinically relevant causal geneticvariants. Reports may comprise one or more of: subject information (e.g.name, date of birth, ethnicity, sample type, date of sample collection,and/or date of sample receipt); description of analysis method(s);results for all causal genetic variants tested; results for all diseaseor traits tested; results for diseases or traits having a positive score(e.g. a risk above a threshold level, such as about or more than about1/50000, 1/25000, 1/10000, 1/5000, 1/2500, 1/1000, 1/500, 1/100, 1/50,1/10, or higher); results for causal genetic variants associated with adisease or trait having a positive score; results for two or moreindividuals (such as individuals that are parents or planning to havechildren); risk of having or developing a disease or trait; risk of apresent or future child having or developing a disease or trait; risk ofa fetus having or developing a disease or trait; methods of riskcalculation; and recommendations for further action.

The report generated can be reviewed and further analyzed by a geneticcounselor and/or other medical professional, such as a managing doctoror licensed physician, or other third party. The genetic counselor ormedical professional or both, or other third party, can meet with theindividual to discuss the results, analysis, and the genetic report.Discussions can include information about: the causal geneticvariant(s), such as the causal genetic variant(s) that is or are tested(presence, absence, and/or genotype), how the causal genetic variant(s)can be inherited or transmitted (for example using the pedigreegenerated from a questionnaire), the prevalence of the causal geneticvariant(s); prevalence or incidence of associated phenotypes; andinformation about associated phenotypes (for example, specificconditions or traits, such as medically or clinically relevantconditions), such as how the phenotype may affect the individual, andpreventative measures that may be taken. The genetic counselor ormedical professional may incorporate other information, such as othergenetic information or information from questionnaires in their analysisand discussion with the individual. Information about the phenotype,such as condition or trait, can include recommendations, such asfollow-up suggestions such as further genetic counseling, predictivemedicine recommendations, or preventive medicine recommendations for theindividual's personal physician or other healthcare provider. Screeninginformation, such as methods of breast cancer screening, may bediscussed for example if an individual was found to be at a higher riskof breast cancer. Other topics that may be discussed include lifestylemodifications and medications. For example, lifestyle modifications maybe suggested such as dietary changes and specific diet plans may berecommended or an exercise regimen may be suggested and specificexercise facilities or trainers may be referred to the individual.Common misconceptions may also be included, allowing the individual tobe aware of preventive measures or other interventions that may bethought of as being helpful or useful but that have been shown inpublished literature to either not be beneficial or to actually beharmful. Alternative therapies may also be included, such as alternativemedicines, such as dietary supplements, or alternative therapies, suchas acupuncture or yoga. Family planning options may also be included, aswell as monitoring options, such as such as screening exams orlaboratory tests that may detect or help monitor for the presence of aphenotype, or the progression of a phenotype. Medications that mayprevent, limit the onset, or delay the progression of a phenotype, suchas a disease to which the individual is predisposed, or a medicationwith high efficacy and low side effects may be suggested for anindividual, or medications or classes of medications that an individualshould avoid due to possibility of adverse reaction(s). For example, themedical professional may make an assessment of the individual's likelydrug response including metabolism, efficacy and/or safety. The medicalprofessional can also discuss therapeutic treatments, such asprophylactic treatments and monitoring (such as doctor visits and exams,radiologic exams, self exams, or laboratory tests) for potential need oftreatment or effects of treatment based on information from theindividual's genetic profile either alone or in combination withinformation about the individual's environmental factors (such aslifestyle, habits, diagnosed medical conditions, current medications,and others). Additional resources may also be listed, such as includinginformation for the individual or the individual's physician or otherhealthcare professional to acquire additional information about thephenotype, the causal genetic variant(s), or both, such as links towebsites that contain information on the phenotype, such as an internalwebsite from the company that produces the genetic report or externalwebsites, such as national organizations for the phenotype. Additionalresources may also include reference to telephone numbers, books, orpeople that the individual may seek out to acquire more informationabout the phenotype, the causal genetic variant(s) or both.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method comprising offering afirst and optionally a second service, wherein: a) the first servicecomprises predicting the probability that an offspring of the couplewill have each of a plurality of traits caused by causal geneticvariants, wherein the prediction is based on the respective genotypes ofthe two individuals in the couple; and b) the second service comprisespredicting the probable phenotype of an offspring of the couple for aplurality of traits, wherein the probability is determined based on therespective phenotypes and/or the family history of the individuals inthe couple. In one embodiment at least one prediction is further basedon the respective genetically inferred ancestries of the individuals. Inanother embodiment the first service is offered as a service for a feeand the second service is offered as a free service.

In one aspect this invention provides a system comprising: a) computerreadable medium configured to store family history information from eachmember of a couple; b) computer readable medium configured to store datacomprising genetic information about each member of the couple; c)computer readable medium comprising computer code that, when executed:i) predicts each individual's carrier status with respect to traitscaused by alleles identified in the genetic information; or ii) predictsprobable traits of offspring of the couple determinable by the familyhistories and/or the genetic information; and d) a display thatdisplays: i) carrier status of at least one member of the couple or ii)probable traits of the offspring. In some embodiments the system furthercomprises e) a webpage configured to accept an offer to purchase a DNAtest kit. In some embodiments the display is electronic, for example, awebpage. In some embodiments the system further comprises e) a displaythat displays referrals to a genetic counselor and/or other medicalprofessional (for example, medical geneticists orobstetrician/gynecologist) based on the genetic information.

The internet and the world wide web offer access to and distribution ofinformation. In some embodiments, a website can be particularly suitedto efficiently providing various functionality for allowing customers topurchase genetic testing and receive the results of genetic testing. Thesystem typically will include a server on which the website resides.Users use an interface connected to the server, such as a computermonitor or a telephone screen, to interact with the website by clickingor rolling over links that pop up information or direct the user toanother webpage. Websites typically are interactive, allowing the userto input information or a query and obtain a response on the interface.

In some embodiments of a system and business method, a website can allowa customer to purchase, manage, and view the results of genetic testingas well as to learn more generally about the probability that potentialoffspring will develop a disease or trait. For example, a customer canbe a couple of prospective parents who seek to learn whether theiroffspring will be at risk for developing Mendelian disease. A customercan be presented with the offer to purchase genetic testing to determineone or more of: (i) the carrier status of the customer; (ii) thelikelihood that the customer will develop one or more diseases ortraits; and (iii) the probability that an offspring of the customer willdevelop one or more diseases or traits, based on causal genetic variantsidentified in the customer's DNA.

If the customer chooses to purchase genetic testing, then the customermay pay a fee, for example through an online credit card transaction, inexchange for genetic testing, direct phone consultation with a geneticcounselor on the company's staff and/or referrals to genetic counselorsand/or other relevant medical professionals. The genetic testing andreferrals can be paid for by a fee at the point of purchase or can beincluded in an initial user registration fee. In some embodiments, theservices are free and revenue is generated by the company by advertisingother products in conjunction with a particular product. For example,after a customer places an order online, the order is sent to a serverfor processing. Once payment has been verified, the order processingserver can send an electronic notification to a shipping vendor to maila DNA collection kit to the customer. In an embodiment, the DNAcollection kit is separate from the genetic testing service, or the useror customer already has or obtains the DNA collection kit from anothersource. Notifications can also periodically be sent electronically tothe customer comprising order confirmation and updates on order andshipping status. In some embodiments of a business method of theinvention, a customer can deposit a sample into the collection kit. Anysample that would be obvious to one skilled in the art can be depositedinto or onto a collection kit. A sample can be any material containingnucleic acid to be analyzed that would be obvious to one skilled in theart, such as bodily fluid like saliva or blood. The collection kit canthen be returned to the company for sending to a genotyping lab or canbe returned directly to a genotyping lab for processing. A genotypinglab, either internal within the company, contracted to work with thecompany, or external from the company, can isolate the customer's DNAfrom the provided sample. After the DNA has been isolated from thesample, a genotyping device (such as an apparatus described herein) canbe used to test the DNA for the presence of one or more of (i) ancestryinformative markers, (ii) causal genetic variants, and (iii) non-subjectsequences (one or more of which are also referred to herein as, RawGenotypic Information). In some embodiments, the DNA does not have to beisolated from the sample to test the DNA for the presence of RawGenotypic Information.

Raw Genotypic Information can be sent electronically to a server forstorage and processing. Computer code on the server can execute on theRaw Genotypic Information to infer the ancestry of the customer and/orto confirm the presence of causal genetic variants and/or non-subjectsequences, if any. The processed genotypic information can then beelectronically sent to a server, where computer code on the server canexecute on the processed genotypic information to predict theprobability that an offspring of the customer will have each of aplurality of traits caused by causal genetic variants found to bepresent in the customer's processed genotypic information. Results canthen be electronically transmitted to a server for storage.

In an example, a notification can be sent to the customer to alert thecustomer to the availability of the results. The notification can beelectronic, non-limiting examples of which include a text message, anemail, or other data packet; or the notification can be non-electronic,non-limiting examples of which include a phone call from a geneticcounselor or printed communication such as a report sent through themail. The results provided to a customer can inform the customer of thecarrier status of the customer for one or more diseases or traits and/orthe chances that the customer or customer's future offspring willdevelop one or more diseases or traits. After the customer has receivedresults and referrals, the customer's order can be considered fulfilled,and results and referrals can remain accessible to the customer throughan online website account. The customer can then choose to furtherpursue a referral offline if the customer so desires but outside of thepurview of the website.

In one aspect, the invention provides compositions that can be used inthe above described methods. Compositions of the invention can compriseany one or more of the elements described herein. For example,compositions may include one or more of the following: one or more solidsupports comprising oligonucleotides attached thereto, one or moreoligonucleotides for attachment to a solid support, one or more adapteroligonucleotides, one or more amplification primers, one or moreoligonucleotide primers comprising a first binding partner, one or moresolid surfaces (e.g. beads) comprising a second binding partner, one ormore sequencing primers, reagents for utilizing any of these, reactionmixtures comprising any of these, and instructions for using any ofthese.

In one aspect, the invention provides kits containing any one or more ofthe elements disclosed in the above methods and compositions. In someembodiments, a kit comprises a composition of the invention, in one ormore containers. For example, kits may include one or more of thefollowing: one or more solid supports comprising oligonucleotidesattached thereto, one or more oligonucleotides for attachment to a solidsupport, one or more adapter oligonucleotides, one or more amplificationprimers, one or more oligonucleotide primers comprising a first bindingpartner, one or more solid surfaces (e.g. beads) comprising a secondbinding partner, one or more sequencing primers, reagents for utilizingany of these, and instructions for using any of these. In someembodiments, the kit further comprises one or more of: (a) a DNA ligase,(b) a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, (c) an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase,(d) random primers, (e) primers comprising at least 4 thymidines at the3′ end, (f) a DNA endonuclease, (g) a DNA-dependent DNA polymerasehaving 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, (h) a plurality of primers, eachprimer having one of a plurality of selected sequences, (i) a DNAkinase, (j) a DNA exonuclease, (k) magnetic beads, and (1) one or morebuffers suitable for one or more of the elements contained in the kit.The adapters, primers, other oligonucleotides, and reagents can be,without limitation, any of those described herein. Elements of the kitcan further be provided, without limitation, in any amount and/orcombination (such as in the same kit or same container). The kits mayfurther comprise additional agents for use according to the methods ofthe invention. The kit elements can be provided in any suitablecontainer, including but not limited to test tubes, vials, flasks,bottles, ampules, syringes, or the like. The agents can be provided in aform that may be directly used in the methods of the invention, or in aform that requires preparation prior to use, such as in thereconstitution of lyophilized agents. Agents may be provided in aliquotsfor single-use or as stocks from which multiple uses, such as in anumber of reaction, may be obtained.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating variousembodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the presentinvention in any fashion. The present examples, along with the methodsdescribed herein are presently representative of preferred embodiments,are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of theinvention. Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed withinthe spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims willoccur to those skilled in the art.

Example 1 Sample Preparation and Sequencing Process

Genomic DNA (gDNA) is extracted in 96-well format, leaving wells A1,G12, and H12 empty (which will later contain a no-template control, theuniversal negative standard containing Coriell sample NA12878 genomicDNA lacking every causal genetic variant tested, and a sample comprisingone of a plurality of known causal genetic variants, respectively). 50μL from each well are transferred into a corresponding well of anabsorbance plate. Absorbance at 260 nm is measured using a Tecan M200plate reader to calculate DNA quantity. 50 μL of gDNA are transferredfrom the absorbance plate into an Eppendorf twin.tec plate. Controlsamples are added to their respective position on the twin.tec plate.The gDNA and controls are fragmented in a SonicMan (Matrical, SpokaneWash.) sonicator, according to the following protocol at 10° C.:Pre-chill 180 s, cycles 100, sonication 3.0 s, power 35%, lid chill 1.0s, plate chill 0, post chill 0. A 2 μL sample is analyzed forfragmentation size distribution using a Fragment Analyzer (AdvancedAnalytical Technologies, Ames Iowa). Samples having a median fragmentsize of at least 200 base pairs and no more than 1000 bp are subjectedto further processing. Samples with a median fragment size below 200 bpare discarded and reprocessed from extracted gDNA. Samples with a medianfragment size above 1000 bp are either subjected to further sonicationto reach the desired size range, or are discarded and reprocessed fromextracted gDNA.

Sonicated gDNA is transferred into a round-bottomed sample plate for usein conjunction with the Beckman Biomek FXP. The Biomek automates theprocesses of end-repair, addition of adenine overhangs, and adapterligation. The Biomek system comprises an Agencourt SPRIPlate SuperMagnet Plate, a Biomek FXP Dual-Arm System with Multichannel Pipettorand Span-8 Pipettor (with pump control module, computer and monitor,peltier controller, two waste containers, and two water containers), andBioMek FXP Control Software. This process utilizes the SPRIworks HTFragmentation Library Kit, which contains end-repair buffer and enzyme,a-tailing buffer and enzyme, ligation buffer and enzyme, and AgencourtAMPure XP beads. After each reaction, processed gDNA is cleaned usingmagnetic bead separation. Adapter ligation is followed by quantifyingDNA in the processed sample using absorbance at 260 nm, as measured bythe Tecan M200. Samples with less than 900 ng are not processed further,but are instead reprocessed from the original extracted sample. Afterthe absorbance reading, the sample plate is returned to the Biomek FXPfor PCR amplification. The first step is division of each sample intofour separate samples on a 384-well plate, such that amplification foreach sample source is performed in quadruplicate. Amplification primerscomprise a barcode sequence to allow identification of the sample sourceof a sequence. PCR includes the use of an ABI GeneAmp PCR system 9700with dual 384-well blocks, 1.5 mL tube racks, 24-channel 200 μLmultichannel pipettor, and 96-well aluminum plate holder. Samples areautomatically thermally cycled according to following protocol: 95 C for5 minutes; 27 cycles of 98 C for 20 seconds, 65 C for 15 seconds, 72 Cfor 1 minute. When amplification is complete, the four sub-samples fromeach sample source are recombined into a single well of a 96-well plate.

Amplified polynucleotides are purified by magnetic bead separation. 1.8sample volumes of magnetic beads are added to each sample, which areallowed to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. The plate isplaced on a magnetic separator for about 2 minutes, until the slurry iscompletely clear and all beads have been collected on the side of eachwell. Buffer solution is then aspirated, and 200 μL of 70% ethanol areadded. The ethanol is allowed to sit at room temperature for about 30seconds before being aspirated. The plate is then removed from themagnet and DNA is eluted in about 40 μL of elution buffer (EB; 10 mMTris-HCl, pH 8.5). The plate is returned to the magnet and allowed tosit at room temperature for about 2 minutes, until the beads havecollected on the sides of the well. The 40 μL sample from each well isthen transferred to a corresponding well of a new absorbancequantitation plate. DNA quantity in each well is checked by measuringabsorbance at 260 nm as above. Samples having a concentration of atleast 500 ng/μL are further processed for sequencing. Wells with lowerconcentrations are failed, and the corresponding samples arere-amplified.

Amplified samples are pooled across rows of the 96-well plate, toproduce pools of 12 samples, where amplified polynucleotides of eachsample comprise a barcode unique to that sample among the 12 samples inthe pool. The volume of each sample added to the pool is calculated suchthat the total amount of DNA in the sample submitted for sequencing isapproximately 11.25 μg. Each pool is concentrated by cleanup on magneticbeads, as above, with elution in 38.5 μL EB. 1 μL of each pool is usedto quantify total DNA on a NanoDrop machine (Thermo Scientific,Wilmington Del.). Samples below 10 μg are failed, and pooling andcleanup are repeated. Samples having at least 10 μg are furtherprocessed for sequencing.

Before polynucleotides in each pool are attached, bridge amplified, andsequenced, a cBot reagent plate is prepared. Reagent plates are preparedten at a time, using commercially supplied Phusion High-Fidelity PCRMaster Mix with HF Buffer (New England Biolabs), Detergent-free PhusionHF Buffer Pack (New England Biolabs), 0.1N NaOH, HT1 buffer (5×SSC+0.05%Tween 20), and HT2 buffer (0.3×SSC+0.05% Tween 20). Five Nova Biostorage8-tube strips are placed into positions 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 of tenseparate Nova Biostorage RoBo Racks. 1.25 mL of Phusion master mix areadded to a 15 mL tube, followed by addition of 1.25 mL of RNase- andDNase-free water, and vortexing for 10 seconds to generate 1× Phusionmaster mix. 440 μL of 5× Phusion HF buffer are added to another 15 mLtube labeled “HF,” followed by addition of 1760 μL of RNase- andDNase-free water, and mixed to generate 1× HF buffer. Reagents aredispensed into rows of the reagent plates as follows: Row 1-720 μL HT1buffer; Row 2-230 μL Phusion master mix; Row 3-200 μL 1× HF buffer; Row7-300 μL HT2 buffer; and Row 10-215 μL 0.1N NaOH. Each tube strip isthen covered with Nova Biostage tube caps, and all plates are frozenuntil needed.

Each sample pool is then prepared for sequencing by attachment to a flowcell. The system for attachment and bridge amplification comprises acBot system, a NanoDrop Absorbance Spectrometer, Applied BiosystemsVeriti 96-well Thermal Cycler (0.2 mL), Veriti Thermocycler Program, andcBot attachment and bridge amplification programs. Samples are heated to95° C. for 5 minutes. 12.5 μL of 4× Hybridization buffer (10×SSC+0.2%Tween-20) is added to each sample, which are placed on ice until loadedon the Illumina cBot machine. A sipper comb, flowcell, reagent plate,and sample tubes are then loaded on the cBot. For each sample pool,polynucleotides are attached to a channel of the flow cell by extensionof oligonucleotides attached to the surface of the channel (“targetcapture” step of FIG. 1). The attached oligonucleotides comprise acollection of different oligonucleotides that specifically hybridize tomembers of a collection of about 5000 different interrogation positionslocated upstream of selected causal genetic variants. Clusters of bridgeamplified sequences are then generated on the cBot using standardprocedures.

Clusters are sequenced using a Genome Analyzer IIx (GAIIx; Illumina, SanDiego Calif.). The sequencing system comprises a Genome Analyzer IIx, aPaired-End Module, Sequencing Control Software, GAIIx programs(sequencing, pre-wash, prime, post-wash), 500 mL capacity plasticbeakers, a large square ice bucket, and a scale with 0.1 g tolerance.Sequencing is performed in two rounds. In a first round, sequencing datais generated from a first primer that hybridizes downstream of (3′ alongthe extended strand) the barcode and adjacent to the target genomic DNAsequences, thereby generating sequencing data for the target gDNAregions comprising causal genetics variants. In the second round,sequencing data is generated from a second primer that hybridizesupstream of (5′ along the extended strand) the barcode sequence, suchthat barcode sequence data is produced for each cluster. The order ofthese sequencing reactions could be reversed. Barcodes for each clusterare then matched to their corresponding gDNA sequence, such that thesample source for each gDNA sequence can be identified. The raw datafrom the GAIIx is combined into individual reads, each with qualityscores, using standard Illumina software. Reads are aligned to areference genome using a Burrows-Wheeler Aligner, and variants are foundfrom this alignment using the genome analysis toolkit GATK. The outputfile from the GATK listing all found discrepancies between thesequencing reads and the reference assembly is then used to generate agenotype report, which is sent securely to the ordering physician for aconsultation with the patient that provided the sample.

Example 2 Amplification and Sequencing Process

Example processes for the amplification of a plurality of differenttarget polynucleotides are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, which differprimarily in the inclusion of a solid-phase purification step in FIG. 2.FIG. 7 also illustrates an example amplification process, and differsfrom the process illustrated in FIG. 2 primarily in that oligonucleotideprimer extension is performed before adapter joining, instead of afteradapter joining Amplification may or may not include a solid-phasepurification step. FIG. 6 illustrates an amplification process as inFIG. 5, and also example bridge amplification and sequencing processes.The amplification process illustrated in FIG. 6 may be used inconjunction with any bridge amplification method and associatedsequencing method.

First, a partially single-stranded adapter is ligated to fragmentedpolynucleotides. The partially single-stranded adapter has adouble-stranded region at one end (sequence U hybridized tocomplementary sequence U′) and the single-stranded sequence Y that doesnot hybridize to the target polynucleotide under the hybridization andextension conditions used. Ligation adds sequence Y to both 5′ ends ofthe target polynucleotides. Next, a plurality of differentoligonucleotide primers, each having a different target-specificsequence W at the 3′ end, are hybridized to their respective targetpolynucleotides, and extended, producing an extended oligonucleotidewith sequence Y′ (complement of Y) at the 3′ end. Extension may beperformed before adapter ligation, such as illustrated in FIG. 7. Theoligonucleotide primers may lack a first binding partner, as in FIG. 5,or may comprise a first binding partner, as the in the small overhangingcircle in FIGS. 2 and 7. If the extended oligonucleotides do comprise abinding partner, they may be purified by selectively binding to a solidsurface comprising a second binding partner that binds to the firstbinding partner, as in the bead (larger circle) in FIG. 2. Bound andextended oligonucleotides may be purified, such as by holding in placeon a magnetically responsive bead in the presence of a magnetic fieldwhile reaction solution is removed, beads washed, and new reactionsolution added (e.g. components of a further amplification reaction).Extended oligonucleotides, purified or not, are then amplified with apair of amplification primers. One amplification primer comprisessequence X and sequence Y, with sequence Y at the 3′ end forhybridization to sequence Y′. The X-Y primer is extended along theextended oligonucleotides to produce a plurality of extended X-Yoligonucleotides comprising sequences X, Y, W′, and Z′ (5′ to 3′; whereW′ is the complement of W, and Z′ is the complement of Z). Anotheramplification primer comprises sequences V and Z, with Z at the 3′ endfor hybridization to sequence Z′ of an extended X-Y primer. The V-Zprimer is extended along the extended X-Y primer to produce a pluralityof sequences comprising V, Z, Y′, and X′ (5′ to 3′; where X′ is thecomplement of X), which may then serve as a template for extension of afurther X-Y primer, which may then serve as a template for extension ofa further V-Z primer, and so on for each successive primer extensionreaction in the amplification process. The predominant amplifiedsequences comprise a plurality of different target polynucleotides, eachcontained in a polynucleotide comprising one strand comprising sequencesV, Z, W, Y′, and X′ (from 5′ to 3′), and another strand comprisingsequences X, Y, W′, Z′, and V′ (from 5′ to 3′), with targetpolynucleotide sequence located between Z/Y′ and between Z′/Y. Theseamplified polynucleotides may then be subjected to sequencing.

Sequencing may follow the process illustrated in the lower half of FIG.6. A first bound oligonucleotide is hybridized to a sequence near or atthe 3′ end of an amplified polynucleotide, typically by complementarityto a sequence added during the exponential amplification step (therebyspecifically amplifying, and ultimately sequencing, exponentiallyamplified products). Extension of each first bound oligonucleotideprovides nucleation points for bridge amplification to produce clustersof double-stranded bridge polynucleotides with the same sequence.Extension products of first bound oligonucleotides are denatured toremove the hybridized templates. An extended first bound oligonucleotidethen hybridize to a second bound oligonucleotide, typically bycomplementary to a sequence at or near the 3′ end and derived fromsequence added during the exponential amplification step. Extendedsecond bound oligonucleotides may then serve as templates for extensionof further first oligonucleotides, which may then serve as templates forextension of further second oligonucleotides, and so on. Here, some orall first oligonucleotides comprise a cleavage site, which is cleavedafter completing the bridge amplification process. Bound polynucleotidesare then subjected to denaturing conditions, such as heating (e.g. about95° C.) or chemically denatured, to remove one strand of a plurality ofbound bridge polynucleotides. The remaining, bound strands are then freefor hybridization with a sequencing primer, illustrated above “firstread” in FIG. 6. Sequencing data is then generated by sequential stepsof nucleotide extension and detection, extending the sequencing primer.The extended first sequencing primer may then be denatured and removedfrom the template, in order to repeat the sequencing process from asecond sequencing primer that is different from the first. Where onesequencing primer is used only to generate enough sequencing data toidentify a barcode sequence, that sequencing reaction may besignificantly shorter than the other sequencing reaction (e.g. less thanabout 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more cycles ofnucleotide addition). While FIG. 6 only illustrates bridge amplificationand sequencing of a single target polynucleotide, bridge amplificationand sequencing typically involves a plurality of different targetpolynucleotides amplified in a previous amplification step, all of whichare bridge amplified and sequenced in parallel.

Example 3 Identification of Non-Subject Sequences

Polynucleotides (e.g. DNA and/or RNA) are extracted from a sample from asubject suspected to contain viral and/or bacterial polynucleotidesusing standard methods known in the art. Sample polynucleotides arefragmented, end-repaired, and A-tailed, such as in Example 1. Adapteroligonucleotides comprising sequence D are then joined to the samplepolynucleotides, which are then amplified using amplification primerscomprising sequence C, sequence D, and a barcode. Amplified targetpolynucleotides are hybridized to a plurality of different firstoligonucleotides that are attached to a solid surface. Each firstoligonucleotide comprises sequence A and sequence B, where sequence B isdifferent for each different first oligonucleotide, is at the 3′ end ofeach first oligonucleotide, and is complementary to a sequencecomprising a non-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotidesof a non-subject sequence. Specifically, the first oligonucleotides areselected to amplify sequences having high depth outside the subject'sgenome, such as viral or bacterial sequences unique to a particularclass, order, family, genus, species or other taxonomic group of virusor bacteria. Sequences amplified may include 16s rRNA sequences.Polynucleotides from a healthy control are processed simultaneously.Target polynucleotides are then bridge amplified and sequenced,according to methods of the invention. Sequencing data produced for thenon-subject sequences may be used to identify an infectious agent.Sequencing data produced for the non-subject sequences may be used todetect relative levels of different taxonomic groups of bacteria (e.g.ratios of one or more taxonomic groups to one or more other taxonomicgroups), or shifts in these. The identities or relative levels ofbacteria or infectious agent are then used as the basis for making amedical recommendation or taking medical action.

Example 4 Alignment of Nucleic Acid Sequences for Detecting GeneticVariation

This example sequence manipulation and alignment procedure (“pipeline”)begins with raw data from Genome Analyzer IIx (GAIIx) or HiSeqsequencers (Illumina; San Diego, Calif.) to infer genotypes and computemetrics from patient samples. Sequencing data is generated from runs ofbarcoded samples in a 12× multiplexed configuration per Flowcell laneaccording to a method of the invention. The sequencer raw data includesbasecalls (BCL files) and various quality-control and calibrationmetrics. The raw basecalls and metrics are first compiled into QSEQfiles and then filtered, merged, and demultiplexed (based on barcodesequences) into sample-specific FASTQ files. FASTQ reads are aligned tothe HG19 genome to create an initial BAM file. This BAM file undergoesseveral transformations to filter, clip, and refine alignments, and torecalibrate quality metrics. The final BAM file is used to infergenotypes for known variants and to discover novel ones, producing acallset. The callset (VCF files) is then filtered using various callmetrics to create a final set of high-confidence (such as about or morethan about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or higher confidence) variant callsper sample. Finally, various metrics are computed per sample, lane, andbatch and the calls and metrics are loaded into a laboratory informationmanagement system (HMS) for visualization, review, and final reportgeneration. The pipeline can be run (in whole or in part) locally and/orusing cloud computing, such as on the Amazon cloud. Users may interactwith the pipeline using any suitable communication mechanism. Forexample, interaction may be via Django management commands (DjangoSoftware Foundation, Lawrence, Kans.), a shell script for executing eachstep of the pipeline, or an application programming interface written ina suitable programming language (e.g. PHP, Ruby on Rails, Django, or aninterface like Amazon EC2). Overviews of the operation of this examplepipeline are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Sequencing occurs on a flowcell with 8 lanes. Each lane has 12 (or morewith HiSeq) samples, each with a unique 6-7 nucleotide barcode sequence.Each lane is subdivided into some number of tiles (120 for GAIIx, 48 forHiSeq). The sequencer outputs 3 reads per flowcell cluster. Read1 (R1)is the sequence of one edge of a gDNA fragment (59 bp), generated byextension of a first primer. Read2 is the barcode sequence (6 bp)generated by extension of a third primer. Read3 (R2) is part of theprobe sequence (15 bp), generated by extension of a second primer.

The raw sequencing data processed in the first step of the pipeline(creating FASTQ files) is typically large (such as about or more thanabout 100 GB, 150 GB, 200 GB, 250 GB, 300 GB, 400 GB, 500 GB, 1000 GB,or more). Accordingly, it can be advantageous to utilize cloud computingfor some or all of the analysis steps. In this example, the first stepis run locally, and the resulting FASTQ files are uploaded to Amazon S3(an online storage web service provided by Amazon; Seattle, Wash.) andprocessed using Amazon EC2 instances (a cloud computing web serviceprovided by Amazon; Seattle, Wash.). Amazon's Simple Queue Service (SQS)is used to assign tasks. The final calls and metrics are then downloadedand loaded into a local database. The EC2 instances pull tasks andFAQSTQ files from SQS and S3, respectively, process them, and upload theresults to S3. Instances may be initiated and/or terminated manually, ormay be partially or fully automated.

FIG. 10 shows an example of temporary and archival storage spaceutilized and processing runtime for the pipeline on Illumina GAIIxsequencing data. The BCL2FASTQ step is run on the entire batch andsubsequent steps are run per sample. To reduce processing time, BCL2QSEQis run locally and then the remaining steps are run on 96 Amazon EC2instances, one per sample. Running the pipeline using the cloud takes 7to 10 hours depending on the batch yield. Use of cloud computing for oneor more of the data processing steps may reduce the total time needed togenerate final alignments for a sample by more than about 10%, 25%, 50%,75%, 90%, or more.

FIG. 11 shows an example sequencing data manipulation process. TheBCL2FASTQ process converts raw basecalls into filtered, merged, anddemultiplexed reads, and comprises bc12qseq and process_lane steps. Theinput for bc12qseq is the rawdata directory for a sequencing batch,which are converted to QSEQ files (one per tile and read number) usingan Illumina tool—this is run locally on the entire batch. The QSEQ filesare processed in process_lane to filter out poor reads (using theIllumina “chastity filter”), merge reads from different tiles, anddemultiplex readl and read3 into sample-specific FASTQ files using thebarcodes in read2. Each lane may be run in parallel.

The FASTQ2BAM process aligns reads to the genome and further processesthe alignment. Format changing, sorting, and indexing are performed asneeded. All steps are run on files for individual samples, and allsamples represented in a batch may be run in parallel on differentmachines. The steps in FASTQ2BAM include align_bwa, fix_align,mark_duplicates, realign_bam, recalibrate_bam, and clip_alignment. Inthe align_bwa step, reads in a FASTQ file are aligned to the referencegenome using the BWA aligner. This step is called twice, once to alignreadl to a reference genome and once to align read3 to a collection ofthe probe sequences used to amplify target polynucleotides. The outputsequence alignment/map (SAM) file is converted to a binary alignment/map(BAM) file and then sorted and indexed. In order to improve detection ofindels, the default BWA parameters are modified as follows: decreaseseed length to 16; increase number of allowed gaps in alignment to 3;decrease the gap open and extension penalties to 6 and 2, respectively;increase the number of allowed gap extensions to 20 (for largervariants, custom contigs may be added to the genome to infer theirpresence). The fix_alignment step then modifies some of the alignmentsto improve their accuracy and remove alignments likely to be erroneous.Because read3 includes probe-derived sequence at variable distances fromreadl in this scenario, it does not fit some of the statisticalassumptions made by aligners (such as expected distance between reads),and customary paired-end mapping would be less efficient. To improvealignment accuracy, readl and read3 are aligned independently (which isgenerally faster than paired-end mapping), and then the fix_alignmentstep processes the results to: discard any reads where readl and read3are on different strands or positioned more than 10000 base pairs awayfrom each other (readl not filtered if read3 does not map); and remapreads with multiple best-scoring positions to a subset of the genomeconsisting only of regions of interest (ROI; e.g. regions containing acausal genetic variant, non-subject sequence, or AIM; typically near aprobe sequence). FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example alignment ofreads in a CFTR exon with a non-unique region before and afterfix_align, respectively, which closes an artificial gap in theillustrated sequence pileup.

The mark_duplicates step identifies and tags PCR and optical duplicatesusing a tool from the Picard toolset (java-based command-line utilitiesfor processing sequencing data in BAM format; available from theSourceForge web site maintained by Geeknet (Fairfax, Va.)). Withoutdiscarding duplicates, non-uniform PCR efficiency between the referenceand alternate allele could lead to allelic bias, where the counts ofreference and alternate alleles for a variant may be biased by PCR.Without additional information, it is assumed that two reads from asample that map to the same position are duplicates and thus, all exceptone are marked as duplicates and excluded from subsequent analysis.Depth of coverage may be increased by using primers with differentbarcodes in the same sample, such that an additional read having thesame sequence as another would not be discarded if the associatedbarcodes from the respective clusters were different.

The realign_bam step performs multiple sequence Smith-Waterman alignmentaround indels, and typically has the effects of better identifying trueindels, and reducing or eliminating the number of false-positive SNPs.The initial aligner (BWA or any similar tool) aligns each readindependently and heuristically. A read with a true INDEL may align as aread with a cluster of SNPs because that alignment model scores betterthan one with the INDEL given the set of parameters and heuristics used.In multiple sequence alignment of the same reads, the aligner tries tooptimize the score of an alignment model of all reads (to the referenceand to each other); thus, unless the same cluster of SNPs can align allreads, the true alignment will typically score higher. The realignmentstep performs a multiple-sequence exact realignment around any INDELsfound in the ROI. FIGS. 13A and 13B show the same reads before and afterlocal realignment. A realignment may be performed around any indel in anROI. Alternatively or additionally, a realignment may be performedaround known indels, such as around indels in one or more reference setsof indels (such as sets reported in Mills et al., Genome Res. (2011)June; 21(6): 830-839; Durbin et al., Nature (2010) Oct. 28; 467(7319):1061-1073; and Bhangale et al., Nature Genetics (2006) 38, 1457-1462).

The recalibrate bam step recalibrates base qualities using empiricalbatch data. Illumina software estimates a quality value for each baseusing various quality control metrics using a simple model of thesequencing chemistry—it does not take specific error modes into account.In this step, a GATK tool that uses high-scoring alignments is used todetermine empirical base quality, analyze the covariation in empiricalquality between many features of a sequenced base (reported quality,surrounding bases, read position, etc), and recalibrate all qualitiesusing the covariation model. This step provides more accurate basequalities which leads to more accurate calling statistics.

The clip_alignment step removes bases from aligned reads that includeprobe sequence from the corresponding cluster. For amplified sequencesfrom a subject that are shorter than the read-length, readl willtypically contain sequences from the corresponding probe. When probesequences are derived from the reference genome, these reads will alignto the genome but will mask out any true SNPs, thus introducing anallelic bias towards the reference sequence. This step identifies when aread overlaps its own probe and selectively removes the overlappingbases from the read. For all reads where both readl and read3 map andwhere readl overlaps the probe, the overlapping bases of readl areremoved from the alignment (“clipped”). If read3 of a read doesn't map,then readl is clipped if it overlaps any probe, but only if the overlapoccurs at either end of the read (probe sequence that does not include aterminal base indicates the read was not generated from that probe). Ineither case, clipping is performed by modifying the CIGAR alignmentstring to include the “S” operation for the clipped bases, updating thestart position and setting the base qualities of the clipped bases to 0.Thus, the sequence still exists, but the alignment is modified toexclude the clipped bases.

The BAM2VCF process uses the final alignments (BAM files from theFASTQ2BAM process) to determine genotypes using a Bayesian method tocompute probability of variants given sequencing data and priorknowledge. All steps are run on files for individual samples and can berun in parallel and on different machines. The strategy for variantidentification (“calling”) is to create an initial set of identifiedvariants (a “callset”) using very lenient thresholds to maximizesensitivity and then to filter it based on call metrics and othercriteria. The steps in the BAM2VCF process include genome_whitelist,genotype_novel, and hard_filter_vcf steps. The genome_whitelist stepinfers genotypes for an input BAM file based on a comparison to a givena reference list of known variant positions and alleles at thosepositions. In this step, a computer algorithm programmed to identifyvariants (a “caller”) is configured to output all variants and to skipany confidence-based filtering. The output of this step is a variantcall format (VCF) file, which is further processed in additional steps.

The genotype_novel step identifies variant sites within the ROI thatdiffer from the reference genome, and infers the genotypes at thosesites. In this step, the caller is configured to output only genotypesnot included in the reference list of known variants used in theprevious step, and to skip any confidence-based filtering. Calls fromthe genotype_novel step may contain many false positives. Thehard_filter_vcf step filters genotype determinations using several callmetrics. These metrics fall into two broad categories: (1) those thatquantify the confidence of the base calls, mapping, variant, or genotypedetermination and (2) those that quantify the likelihood of commonsources of errors such as strand bias, position bias, or presence ofsequence features such as homopolymer runs that are known to causeIllumina chemistry errors. Modified thresholds may be based onrecommendations by the Genome Analysis Tool Kit (GATK). Alternatively oradditionally, a machine learning approach may be used to identifythresholds for a desired sensitivity and specificity.

To aid the evaluation of the processes in this example, a record foreach sample is made of the number of: reads with corresponding barcode,reads mapped to the genome, reads after fix_align step, reads afterexcluding PCR/optical duplicates, reads where read1 and read3 map morethan 10000 bp apart, reads in non-unique regions that the fix_align stepattempts to remap, reads successfully remapped, reads that are clippedand have a corresponding read3, reads that are clipped and do not have acorresponding read3, reads in X and Y chromosomes (which may be used toinfer sex), and SNP calls that match the SNP identity in the referencegenome. Thresholds as to any one or combination of these metrics may beset, such that results for any sample falling below the threshold arediscarded. Any one or combination of these metrics may also beaggregated for an entire sequencing lane, in addition to the totalnumber of reads per lane and the number of reads passing an initialfilter. Thresholds as to any one or combination of sequencing lanemetrics may also be set for the exclusion of data resulting from lanesfailing to pass the threshold(s). Concordance and discordance betweenany two callsets may be analyzed for validation studies or for settingthresholds for future sample analyses.

For any genomic variants identified, a pileup image may be generated,which illustrates an alignment of all reads underlying any variant call.A pileup image may be produced using a genomics data visualizer, such asthe Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV; provided by the Broad Institute,Cambridge, Mass.). To do this, an IGV script is generated that (1) loadsthe genome and BAM files and (2) iterates through each variant positionand outputs a snapshot PNG of the pileups. IGV is run under a virtualframebuffer (e.g. xvfb) and the resulting PNG files are cropped (usingcommand line Imagick tool) to remove IGV chrome.

Example 5 Selecting Probe Sequences

An algorithm is used in a process of selecting optimal probe sequencesfor initial capture of target sequence for amplification and sequencing(a process also referred to as “probe design”). The probe sequences maythen be used in the production of a collection of oligonucleotideprimers or first oligonucleotides bound to a solid support. The probedesign process may be repeated, such as to incorporate additions to thelist of variants and corresponding target sequences to be sequenced.Accordingly, the algorithm allows the addition of previously designedregions of interest (ROIs) and probes so that regions that are alreadycovered by a previously designed ROI are not redesigned.

The initial unit of probe design is the Region of Interest (ROI), whichcan be a list of the exons of a gene, a single genomic base, regions orpoints that are non-coding, or combinations of these that can possiblyoverlap. The first step in the process is to load and then reconcile allof the different regions for which probes are to be designed. The“design engine” class keeps track of all ROIs to be considered and,later, all of the probes that have been designed for each ROI. SmallROIs, such as variants initially entered as point mutations, are paddedto a length of 100 bp before being processed further. Then, alloverlapping ROIs are combined into single ROIs so that duplicate probesare not designed.

Two ROIs are merged if and only if they reduce the number of ROI Tilescovering the combined ROIs. The number of tiles covering the twoseparate areas is calculated along with the number of tiles to cover ahypothetically joined ROI. The case that requires the fewest tiles isused for subsequent steps of probe design. An algorithm is used todetermine the number of tiles covering a given genomic region.

Once ROIs have been padded and merged, all ROIs are at least 100 bp longand none overlap. The resulting ROIs are long (e.g. longer than aspecified tile length) or short (e.g. less than or equal to a specifiedtile length). Long ROIs are subdivided into ROI tiles, which are unitlengths of sequence for which a probe will be designed. Short ROIs,being less than or equal to the tile length, are not subdivided. Eachpotential ROI tile is evaluated on how well the probes designed from itperform. The maximum number of tiles is also calculated as the upperbound on this calculation. All tile numbers between the minimum and themaximum number of tiles possible are considered in order from leastnumber of tiles to greatest. These numbers of tiles are equal to theceiling of the number of bases in the ROI to be split divided by the minor max length of the ROI, depending on what number is being calculated.These numbers are ROI_TILE (250 bases) and MAX_ROI_TILE, whereMAX_ROI_TILE=(TILE_SIZE)−(READ_LENGTH)−(RECESS). TILE_SIZE is between300-440 bases long. READ_LENGTH is 40-60 bases long. RECESS is set at 10bases in length. Once a number of tiles whose probe design yields allvalid probes is found, the iteration ends. This in effect minimizes thenumber of tiles required to cover a region while at the same timeensuring the best probes are chosen according to the criteria below.

The probe design algorithm works on a given ROI tile in isolation fromother ROI tiles, so the ROI tile can be considered the fundamental unitof this probe design process. Each ROI tile will have a forward andreverse tile designed for it, so that all bases may be evidenced fromeither strand upon sequencing. The probe design algorithm works byconsidering the forward and reverse primers for every READ_LENGTH tilein a “probe design window” that is calculated for each ROI tile. Eachprobe in this window is then scored based on criteria described below tocreate a set of scores from most important to least important where, forall scores, a lower score is better. Therefore, the best probe is merelythe one that appears first in a multiple-field ascending sort of theprobe score sets. Each ROI tile partition causes the probe designalgorithm to be run for each of the possible ROI tiles. The iterationstarts with the condition of the fewest ROI tiles and, if such apartition doesn't yield valid probes (conditions of which are describedbelow), the number of ROI tiles is increased and the partition isre-done.

The probe window is defined as follows: (1) the length of the probewindow is defined as (TILE_SIZE)−(length of the current ROItile)−(RECESS); (2) the start coordinate is then defined as RECESS byaway from the end of the ROI itself, and the stop coordinate iscalculated by adding the length of the probe window above to the RECESScoordinate; and (3) all 40 mers in this range are then considered asprobes for evaluation. FIG. 19 provides an illustration of thepositional relationship of sequence regions considered in this step.

Criteria used to evaluate each probe, in the order considered, includeuniqueness of the “near 24-mer,” overlap with any common SNPs in thenear 24 mer, mappability of the entire 40 mer, NtBspQI overlap, repeatmasking, overlap with any common SNPs in entire 40 mer, near 24 meroverlap with disease variant, 40 mer overlap with disease variant, GC %,and Distance to ROI. While an ideal probe is unique across the genome,sometimes finding such a location near an arbitrary site is notpossible. To compensate, the “near 24-mer” (defined as the 3′-most 24bases of the oligonucleotide comprising the probe sequence or itscomplement) is selected to be as unique as possible. Because theextension of the captured genomic species occurs from 5′ to 3′, thequality of the basepair binding site nearest the double-stranded tosingle-stranded junction has a large effect on the efficiency of thecapture—a stronger bond making it more likely that the captured sequencewill be extended. To measure binding quality, the University ofCalifornia Santa Cruz 24 mer mappability track (available through theUCSC genome browser) is used, which gives, for each base in the genome,the mapping score of the 24 mer beginning at that base. The score isgiven as 1/N, where N is the number of matches to that 24 mer in thegenome. Only two results out of this test are considered: whether thescore equals 1 (i.e. is unique) or is less than one (i.e. has multiplebinding sites). The first case is preferred.

Overlap with common SNPs in the near 24-mer is not desired. Any mismatchin the capture probe binding site reduces binding efficiency. Becausenearby SNPs are often in linkage disequilibrium, this difference inbinding efficiency would introduce a great deal of allelic bias. It istherefore desirable for any allele found to have the greatest chancepossible of having the same probe binding site as other alleles in thatgene. The UCSC Common SNP Track is used to make this calculation. Thereare two categories: those with no overlaps and those with one or moreoverlaps. The former is greatly preferred.

The mappability of the entire 40 mer determines the same score with thesame categories as the 24 mer mappability, but using the UCSC 40 merMappability track instead of the 24 mer track. This new track has asimilar definition, only 40 mer mappability is considered instead of 24mer mappability.

The enzyme NtBspQI may be useful in oligonucleotide synthesis ormanipulation. Accordingly, the number of bases of overlap between theprobe and the recognition site of the enzyme is scored.

In evaluating repeat masking, the UCSC repeat mask track (annotatedrepeats) is used to calculate the weighted average of the values for thebases that makeup the each 40 mer. The repeat mask track assigns values0 or 1 to each base depending on whether it is masked or not. Thus, thehigher the score, the more it is masked. Designing probes for maskedbases is not desired, so a lower, ideally 0, score is better. Thesescores are divided into quartiles: so, up to 25% masked comprises aclass (scored as 0), up to 50% another, as does 75% and 100%.

Just as overlap of a probe' near-24 mer with any common SNP isevaluated, so too is overlap of the entire 40 mer probe sequence withany common SNP evaluated and scored.

Whether or not the near-24 mer overlaps a disease variant is alsoevaluated. This test is similar to the common SNP overlap test, exceptthe near-24 mer is evaluate for overlap with any causal genetic variantsto be sequenced. A score of 0 is given for no overlap, and a score of 1is given for the presence of overlap. A similar analysis is thenperformed for the entire 40-mer.

The GC % of a probe sequence received one of two scores—0 for a GC %between 20-80%, and 1 for outside this range. Finally, distance to theROI is evaluated. All other things being equal, the probe closest to theROI is preferred. The score for ROI distance is equal to the number ofbase pairs between the end of the probe and the start of the ROI ittargets.

A valid probe is a probe that meets all of the following criteria andfor which no further iteration of probe design for the ROI is required:(1) mappability of the near 24 mer≧1/3.5; (2) Mappability of the entire40 mer≧1/3.5; (3) repeat fraction≧0.25; (4) no overlaps with common SNPsin the near 24-mer; no NtBspQI recognition site in the probe sequence.

Example 6 Sample Collection and Analysis

Exemplary processes of delivering a probability that a user is a carrierof rare genetic disease are demonstrated in FIGS. 14-17. FIGS. 14-15illustrate pipelines for order fulfillment for web and medical customersrespectively. An order can be placed by a physician or a consumer. Anorder can be placed for a single test or for a couple or family. Theorder can be accepted through a web site. The ordering system can acceptcontact information, demographic details and billing information.Contact information can include, without limitation, name, address,telephone number, and email addresses. Demographic information caninclude, without limitation, sex, date of birth, and self-reportedethnicity. An order confirmation notification can be sent using theprovided contact information. Acceptable orders are added to a database,and the states of these orders can be subsequently maintained by a statemachine.

A sample collection kit is then sent to the user. A sample is collectedthat is any human tissue or fluid. The sample can also be isolated DNAfrom a human. Examples of samples useful for this example include, butare not limited to: saliva, blood, urine, buccal cells, amniotic fluid,cell scrapings, and cell culture. The sample is then genotyped using adevice described herein. Phenotype solicitation, for example, retrievingself-identification of phenotypic traits of a user, can be performed inparallel with sample processing.

Sample collection can be performed at home, in a physician's office, orat a specialized collection site. Sample collection and return can betracked by advancing the state of the order-tracking state machine.Samples received by the accessioning facility can be registered in thedatabase system by advancing their state in the state machine. Afteracceptance at the accessioning facility, samples can be delivered to thegenotyping facility. The genotyping facility can return raw genome datato a secure data storage server by secure file transfer protocols. Fileupload can trigger an advance of the state machine. This advance cantrigger a server configured to perform genotype calling to retrieve theraw genome data from the data storage server as well as any phenotypedata associated with the order. The genotyping algorithm can produce afully probabilistic genotype call.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate a high level sample processing pipeline anddetailed computational pipeline respectively. Batches of samples arereceived and measured for quality control purposes (Batch passes QC).Information such as family history, gender, or self-reported ancestry isused to serve as an independent check on calling for each sample(Phenotype data retrieved for batch samples). In parallel with thisprocess, a report with child predictions is constantly updated. Firstpre-test risk calculations are delivered, based on phenotype (such asfamily history and other answers to an online questionnaire). Once agenotype sample is received and processed, post-test calculations aregiven. The report is then generated and sent to the final stages of thepipeline, for laboratory staff and physician approval as shown in FIG.16.

Quality control metrics can be generated from the calling process. Anexample quality control metric is the percentage of probabilisticgenotype calls in which at least one genotype has a posteriorprobability greater than a threshold value. A batch of samples isprocessed together. When processed as a batch, the individualprobabilistic genotype calls can be used to generate batch-level qualitycontrol statistics. Probabilistic genotype calls can be stored in adatabase. Successful genotype calling can trigger an advance of theorder state. For a couple or family order, the state machine can holdfor completion of the entire order, else single orders can be passed tothe next state. If phenotype data is required for risk calculation, thenthe state machine can delay processing until all phenotype data iscollected. The state machine can also trigger a notification to thepatient that phenotype data is required. If all genotype and phenotypedata are ready, then the state machine can advance, trigger the riskcalculation server to perform risk calculation. The results of riskcalculation can be serialized and transferred to a results reportingsystem. This is a machine-readable format of the results. The statemachine can advance the order when the transfer is completed. Theresults reporting server can combine the probabilistic risk calculationwith appropriate text and formatting to generate a human-readablereport. This human readable report can be further formatted for displayon a website. This human readable report can be formatted for othermedia such as PDF files for printing. The final results reports can beautomatically released using an auto-verification system. A human canreview the reports for release. The reviewers may be a clinicallaboratory scientist and a physician. The results are accessed via a webportal which links to a view of the results and a summary of the qualitycontrol metrics. Acceptance of the report by the clinical laboratoryscientist releases the results to the physician. The physician canreview the results in a similar portal and approve the final release ofthe results.

FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary input and output steps for reportgeneration for two hypothetical parents: Mama Hen and Papa Hen. A childprediction is produced that incorporates mother and father genotypes,mother and father phenotypes, and relative genotypes and phenotypes. Anyor all of these variables can be missing values, with defaultsinitialized from demographically similar individuals (and if this is notknown, from the world population). The resulting child prediction mayinclude not only disease or trait risk, but also other variables such asheight and weight. Different variables in the child prediction will usedifferent weights of genotype and phenotype.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

1. A method of detecting genetic variation in a subject's genomecomprising: (a) providing a plurality of clusters of polynucleotides,wherein (i) each cluster comprises multiple copies of a nucleic acidduplex attached to a support; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprises afirst molecule comprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and asecond molecule comprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii)sequence A′ is complementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementaryto sequence B, sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′is complementary to sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary tosequence G; (iv) sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotidesequence from a subject and is different for each of a plurality ofclusters; (v) sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence G inthe corresponding target polynucleotide sequence; and (vi) each firstmolecule comprises a barcode sequence; (b) sequencing sequence G′ byextension of a first primer comprising sequence D to produce an R1sequence for each cluster; (c) sequencing sequence B′ by extension of asecond primer comprising sequence A to produce R2 sequence for eachcluster; (d) performing a first alignment using a first algorithm toalign all R1 sequences to a first reference sequence; (e) performing asecond alignment using a second algorithm to locally align R1 sequencesidentified in said first alignment as likely to contain an insertion ordeletion with respect to the first reference sequence, to produce asingle consensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (f)performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to a secondreference sequence; (g) transmitting a report identifying sequencevariation identified by steps (d) to (f) to a receiver; and (h)hybridizing a third primer to sequence C′ and sequencing the barcodesequence by extension of the third primer to produce a barcode sequencefor each cluster.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first referencesequence comprises a reference genome.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe second reference sequence consists of every sequence B for everydifferent target polynucleotide.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein R2sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising discarding an R1 sequence that aligns to afirst position in the first reference sequence that is more than 10,000base pairs away from a second position in the first reference sequenceto which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising deleting a portion of an R1 sequence for acluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deleted is identical to atleast a portion of sequence B′ for that cluster and sequence G isshorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising deleting a portion of an R1 sequence for a clusterwhen the portion of R1 sequence to be deleted is identical to at least aportion of any sequence B′, the portion includes either the 5′ or 3′nucleotide of R1, and either (i) no R2 sequence was produced for thecluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced is not identical to any sequence B.8. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the first alignment with asystem using the first algorithm takes less time to align all R1 readsthan would be taken if the system used the second algorithm to performthe first alignment.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm uses less systemmemory to align all R1 reads than would be used if the system used thesecond algorithm to perform the first alignment.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein said first algorithm is based on Burrows-Wheeler transform.11. The method of claim 1, wherein said second algorithm is based onSmith-Waterman algorithm or a hash function.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein R1 and R2 sequences are generated for at least 100 differenttarget polynucleotides.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein each barcode differs from every other barcode in a plurality ofdifferent barcodes analyzed in parallel.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein the barcode sequence is associated with a single sample in apool of samples sequenced in a single reaction.
 16. The method of claim1, wherein each of a plurality of barcode sequences is uniquelyassociated with a single sample in a pool of samples sequenced in asingle reaction.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the barcode sequenceis located 5′ from sequence D′.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim1, further comprising grouping sequences from the clusters based on thebarcode sequences.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingdiscarding all but one of a plurality of R1 sequences having the samesequence and alignment within a barcode sequence grouping.
 21. Themethod of claim 1, wherein sequences A, B, C, and D are at least 5nucleotides in length.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein sequence G ofevery cluster is 1 to 1000 nucleotides in length.
 23. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each probe sequence B of a plurality of clusters iscomplementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant. 24.(canceled)
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein an R1 sequence is producedfor at least about 10⁸ clusters in a single reaction.
 26. The method ofclaim 1, wherein presence, absence, or allele ratio of one or morecausal genetic variants is determined with an accuracy of at least about90%.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the consensus sequenceidentifies an insertion, a deletion, or an insertion and a deletion in atarget polynucleotide with an accuracy of at least about 90%.
 28. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each probe sequence B of a plurality ofclusters is complementary to a sequence comprising a non-subjectsequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a non-subject sequence.29. The method of claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of one ormore non-subject sequences is determined with an accuracy of at leastabout 90%.
 30. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculating aplurality of probabilities based on the R1 sequences for the subject andincluding the probabilities in the report, wherein each probability is aprobability of the subject or a subject's offspring having or developinga disease or trait.
 31. A method of detecting genetic variation in asubject's genome comprising: (a) providing sequencing data for aplurality of clusters of polynucleotides, wherein (i) each clustercomprised multiple copies of a nucleic acid duplex attached to asupport; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprised a first moleculecomprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and a second moleculecomprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii) sequence A′ iscomplementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementary to sequence B,sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′ is complementaryto sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary to sequence G; (iv)sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotide sequence from asubject and is different for each of a plurality of clusters; (v)sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence G in thecorresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (vi) the sequencing datacomprise R1 sequences generated by extension of a first primercomprising sequence D; (vii) the sequencing data comprise R2 sequencesgenerated by extension of a second primer comprising sequence A; (viii)each first molecule comprises a barcode sequence; and (ix) thesequencing data comprise a barcode sequence for each cluster generatedby extension of a third primer comprising sequence C; (b) performing afirst alignment using a first algorithm to align all R1 sequences to afirst reference sequence; (c) performing a second alignment using asecond algorithm to locally align R1 sequences identified in said firstalignment as likely to contain an insertion or deletion with respect tothe first reference sequence, to produce a single consensus alignmentfor each insertion or deletion; (d) performing an R2 alignment byaligning all R2 sequences to a second reference sequence; and (e)transmitting a report identifying sequence variation identified by steps(b) to (d) to a receiver.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the firstreference sequence comprises a reference genome.
 33. The method of claim31, wherein the second reference sequence consists of every sequence Bfor every different target polynucleotide.
 34. The method of claim 31,wherein R2 sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences.
 35. Themethod of claim 31, further comprising discarding an R1 sequence thataligns to a first position in the first reference sequence that is morethan 10,000 base pairs away from a second position in the firstreference sequence to which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.36. The method of claim 31, further comprising deleting a portion of anR1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deletedis identical to at least a portion of sequence B′ for that cluster andsequence G is shorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.
 37. Themethod of claim 31, further comprising deleting a portion of an R1sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deleted isidentical to at least a portion of any sequence B′, the portion includeseither the 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) no R2 sequence wasproduced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced is not identicalto any sequence B.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm takes less timeto align all R1 reads than would be taken if the system used the secondalgorithm to perform the first alignment.
 39. The method of claim 31,wherein performing the first alignment with a system using the firstalgorithm uses less system memory to align all R1 reads than would beused if the system used the second algorithm to perform the firstalignment.
 40. The method of claim 31, wherein said first algorithm isbased on Burrows-Wheeler transform.
 41. The method of claim 31, whereinsaid second algorithm is based on Smith-Waterman algorithm or a hashfunction.
 42. The method of claim 31, wherein the sequencing datacomprise R1 and R2 sequences for at least 100 different targetpolynucleotides.
 43. (canceled)
 44. The method of claim 31, wherein eachbarcode differs from every other barcode in a plurality of differentbarcodes analyzed in parallel.
 45. The method of claim 31, wherein thebarcode sequence is associated with a single sample in a pool of samplessequenced in a single reaction and represented in the sequencing data.46. The method of claim 31, wherein each of a plurality of barcodesequences is uniquely associated with a single sample in a pool ofsamples sequenced in a single reaction.
 47. The method of claim 31,wherein the barcode sequence is located 5′ from sequence D′. 48.(canceled)
 49. The method of claim 31, further comprising groupingsequences from the clusters based on the barcode sequences.
 50. Themethod of claim 49, further comprising discarding all but one of aplurality of R1 sequences having the same sequence and alignment withina barcode sequence grouping.
 51. The method of claim 31, whereinsequences A, B, C, and D are at least 5 nucleotides in length.
 52. Themethod of claim 31, wherein sequence G of every cluster is 1 to 1000nucleotides in length.
 53. The method of claim 31, wherein each probesequence B of a plurality of clusters is complementary to a sequencecomprising a causal genetic variant or a sequence within 200 nucleotidesof a causal genetic variant.
 54. (canceled)
 55. The method of claim 31,wherein sequencing data comprise at least about 10⁸ R1 sequences from asingle reaction.
 56. The method of claim 31, wherein presence, absence,or allele ratio of one or more causal genetic variants is determinedwith an accuracy of at least about 90%.
 57. The method of claim 31,wherein the consensus sequence identifies an insertion, a deletion, oran insertion and a deletion in a target polynucleotide with an accuracyof at least about 90%.
 58. The method of claim 31, wherein each probesequence B of a plurality of clusters is complementary to a sequencecomprising a non-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotidesof a non-subject sequence.
 59. The method of claim 31, wherein thepresence or absence of one or more non-subject sequence is determinedwith an accuracy of at least about 90%.
 60. The method of claim 31,further comprising calculating a plurality of probabilities based on theR1 sequences for the subject and including the probabilities in thereport, wherein each probability is a probability of the subject or asubject's offspring having or developing a disease or trait.
 61. Amethod of detecting genetic variation in a subject's genome comprising:(a) providing a plurality of clusters of polynucleotides, wherein (i)each cluster comprises multiple copies of a nucleic acid duplex attachedto a support; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprises a first moleculecomprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and a second moleculecomprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii) sequence A′ iscomplementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementary to sequence B,sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′ is complementaryto sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary to sequence G; (iv)sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotide sequence from asubject and is different for each of a plurality of clusters; and (v)sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence G in thecorresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (b) sequencing sequence G′by extension of a first primer comprising sequence D to produce an R1sequence for each cluster; (c) sequencing sequence B′ by extension of asecond primer comprising sequence A to produce R2 sequence for eachcluster; (d) performing a first alignment using a first algorithm toalign all R1 sequences to a first reference sequence; (e) performing asecond alignment using a second algorithm to locally align R1 sequencesidentified in said first alignment as likely to contain an insertion ordeletion with respect to the first reference sequence, to produce asingle consensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (f)performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to a secondreference sequence; (g) calculating a plurality of probabilities basedon the R1 sequences for the subject and including the probabilities in areport identifying sequence variation identified by steps (d) to (f),wherein each probability is a probability of the subject or a subject'soffspring having or developing a disease or trait; and (h) transmittingthe report to a receiver.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the firstreference sequence comprises a reference genome.
 63. The method of claim61, wherein the second reference sequence consists of every sequence Bfor every different target polynucleotide.
 64. The method of claim 61,wherein R2 sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences.
 65. Themethod of claim 61, further comprising discarding an R1 sequence thataligns to a first position in the first reference sequence that is morethan 10,000 base pairs away from a second position in the firstreference sequence to which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.66. The method of claim 61, further comprising deleting a portion of anR1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deletedis identical to at least a portion of sequence B′ for that cluster andsequence G is shorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.
 67. Themethod of claim 61, further comprising deleting a portion of an R1sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deleted isidentical to at least a portion of any sequence B′, the portion includeseither the 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) no R2 sequence wasproduced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced is not identicalto any sequence B.
 68. The method of claim 61, wherein performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm takes less timeto align all R1 reads than would be taken if the system used the secondalgorithm to perform the first alignment.
 69. The method of claim 61,wherein performing the first alignment with a system using the firstalgorithm uses less system memory to align all R1 reads than would beused if the system used the second algorithm to perform the firstalignment.
 70. The method of claim 61, wherein said first algorithm isbased on Burrows-Wheeler transform.
 71. The method of claim 61, whereinsaid second algorithm is based on Smith-Waterman algorithm or a hashfunction.
 72. The method of claim 61, wherein R1 and R2 sequences aregenerated for at least 100 different target polynucleotides.
 73. Themethod of claim 61, wherein each first molecule comprises a barcodesequence.
 74. The method of claim 73, wherein each barcode differs fromevery other barcode in a plurality of different barcodes analyzed inparallel.
 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the barcode sequence isassociated with a single sample in a pool of samples sequenced in asingle reaction.
 76. The method of claim 73, wherein each of a pluralityof barcode sequences is uniquely associated with a single sample in apool of samples sequenced in a single reaction.
 77. The method of claim73, wherein the barcode sequence is located 5′from sequence D′.
 78. Themethod of claim 73, further comprising hybridizing a third primer tosequence C′ and sequencing the barcode sequence by extension of thethird primer to produce a barcode sequence for each cluster.
 79. Themethod of claim 78, further comprising grouping sequences from theclusters based on the barcode sequences.
 80. The method of claim 79,further comprising discarding all but one of a plurality of R1 sequenceshaving the same sequence and alignment within a barcode sequencegrouping.
 81. The method of claim 61, wherein sequences A, B, C, and Dare at least 5 nucleotides in length.
 82. The method of claim 61,wherein sequence G of every cluster is 1 to 1000 nucleotides in length.83. The method of claim 61, wherein each probe sequence B of a pluralityof clusters is complementary to a sequence comprising a causal geneticvariant or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal geneticvariant.
 84. The method of claim 61, wherein sequence B of one or moreof the clusters comprises a sequence selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs: 22-121.
 85. The method of claim 61, wherein an R1sequence is produced for at least about 10⁸ clusters in a singlereaction.
 86. The method of claim 61, wherein presence, absence, orallele ratio of one or more causal genetic variants is determined withan accuracy of at least about 90%.
 87. The method of claim 61, whereinthe consensus sequence identifies an insertion, a deletion, or aninsertion and a deletion in a target polynucleotide with an accuracy ofat least about 90%.
 88. The method of claim 61, wherein each probesequence B of a plurality of clusters is complementary to a sequencecomprising a non-subject sequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotidesof a non-subject sequence.
 89. The method of claim 61, wherein thepresence or absence of one or more non-subject sequences is determinedwith an accuracy of at least about 90%.
 90. A method of detectinggenetic variation in a subject's genome comprising: (a) providingsequencing data for a plurality of clusters of polynucleotides, wherein(i) each cluster comprised multiple copies of a nucleic acid duplexattached to a support; (ii) each duplex in a cluster comprised a firstmolecule comprising sequences A-B-G′-D′-C′ from 5′ to 3′ and a secondmolecule comprising sequences C-D-G-B′-A′ from 5′ to 3′; (iii) sequenceA′ is complementary to sequence A, sequence B′ is complementary tosequence B, sequence C′ is complementary to sequence C, sequence D′ iscomplementary to sequence D, and sequence G′ is complementary tosequence G; (iv) sequence G is a portion of a target polynucleotidesequence from a subject and is different for each of a plurality ofclusters; (v) sequence B′ is located 5′ with respect to sequence G inthe corresponding target polynucleotide sequence; (vi) the sequencingdata comprise R1 sequences generated by extension of a first primercomprising sequence D; and (vii) the sequencing data comprise R2sequences generated by extension of a second primer comprising sequenceA; (b) performing a first alignment using a first algorithm to align allR1 sequences to a first reference sequence; (c) performing a secondalignment using a second algorithm to locally align R1 sequencesidentified in said first alignment as likely to contain an insertion ordeletion with respect to the first reference sequence, to produce asingle consensus alignment for each insertion or deletion; (d)performing an R2 alignment by aligning all R2 sequences to a secondreference sequence; (e) calculating a plurality of probabilities basedon the R1 sequences for the subject and including the probabilities in areport identifying sequence variation identified by steps (b) to (d),wherein each probability is a probability of the subject or a subject'soffspring having or developing a disease or trait; and (f) transmittingthe report to a receiver.
 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the firstreference sequence comprises a reference genome.
 92. The method of claim90, wherein the second reference sequence consists of every sequence Bfor every different target polynucleotide.
 93. The method of claim 90,wherein R2 sequences are aligned independently of R1 sequences.
 94. Themethod of claim 90, further comprising discarding an R1 sequence thataligns to a first position in the first reference sequence that is morethan 10,000 base pairs away from a second position in the firstreference sequence to which the R2 sequence for the same cluster aligns.95. The method of claim 90, further comprising deleting a portion of anR1 sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deletedis identical to at least a portion of sequence B′ for that cluster andsequence G is shorter than the R1 sequence for that cluster.
 96. Themethod of claim 90, further comprising deleting a portion of an R1sequence for a cluster when the portion of R1 sequence to be deleted isidentical to at least a portion of any sequence B′, the portion includeseither the 5′ or 3′ nucleotide of R1, and either (i) no R2 sequence wasproduced for the cluster or (ii) R2 sequence produced is not identicalto any sequence B.
 97. The method of claim 90, wherein performing thefirst alignment with a system using the first algorithm takes less timeto align all R1 reads than would be taken if the system used the secondalgorithm to perform the first alignment.
 98. The method of claim 90,wherein performing the first alignment with a system using the firstalgorithm uses less system memory to align all R1 reads than would beused if the system used the second algorithm to perform the firstalignment.
 99. The method of claim 90, wherein said first algorithm isbased on Burrows-Wheeler transform.
 100. The method of claim 90, whereinsaid second algorithm is based on Smith-Waterman algorithm or a hashfunction.
 101. The method of claim 90, wherein the sequencing datacomprise R1 and R2 sequences for at least 100 different targetpolynucleotides.
 102. The method of claim 90, wherein each firstmolecule comprises a barcode sequence.
 103. The method of claim 102,wherein each barcode differs from every other barcode in a plurality ofdifferent barcodes analyzed in parallel.
 104. The method of claim 102,wherein the barcode sequence is associated with a single sample in apool of samples sequenced in a single reaction and represented in thesequencing data.
 105. The method of claim 102, wherein each of aplurality of barcode sequences is uniquely associated with a singlesample in a pool of samples sequenced in a single reaction.
 106. Themethod of claim 102, wherein the barcode sequence is located 5′ fromsequence D′.
 107. The method of claim 102, wherein the sequencing datafurther comprises a barcode sequence for each cluster generated byextension of a third primer comprising sequence C.
 108. The method ofclaim 107, further comprising grouping sequences from the clusters basedon the barcode sequences.
 109. The method of claim 108, furthercomprising discarding all but one of a plurality of R1 sequences havingthe same sequence and alignment within a barcode sequence grouping. 110.The method of claim 90, wherein sequences A, B, C, and D are at least 5nucleotides in length.
 111. The method of claim 90, wherein sequence Gof every cluster is 1 to 1000 nucleotides in length.
 112. The method ofclaim 90, wherein each probe sequence B of a plurality of clusters iscomplementary to a sequence comprising a causal genetic variant or asequence within 200 nucleotides of a causal genetic variant.
 113. Themethod of claim 90, wherein sequence B of one or more of the clusterscomprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:22-121.
 114. The method of claim 31, wherein sequencing data comprise atleast about 10⁸ R1 sequences from a single reaction.
 115. The method ofclaim 90, wherein presence, absence, or allele ratio of one or morecausal genetic variants is determined with an accuracy of at least about90%.
 116. The method of claim 90, wherein the consensus sequenceidentifies an insertion, a deletion, or an insertion and a deletion in atarget polynucleotide with an accuracy of at least about 90%.
 117. Themethod of claim 90, wherein each probe sequence B of a plurality ofclusters is complementary to a sequence comprising a non-subjectsequence or a sequence within 200 nucleotides of a non-subject sequence.118. The method of claim 90, wherein the presence or absence of one ormore non-subject sequence is determined with an accuracy of at leastabout 90%.